This week on Tall Boy Radio, Beans and Gaz are firing up the griddle for a deep dive into a regional icon. We aren’t just talking about any breakfast staple; we’re talking about the humble, versatile, and legendary Staffordshire Oatcake.

Joining the boys in the studio is the man, the myth, the flour-dusted legend himself: "Oatcake Dan" from the world-famous Kidsgrove Oatcakes.

In this episode, we peel back the paper wrapping on what it really takes to run a modern small business. Dan shares the secret sauce (or should we say, the secret batter?) behind his shop’s meteoric rise. We cover:

• The Viral Griddle: How Dan turned a local shop into a social media powerhouse. We talk strategy, authenticity, and why showing the "real" side of business resonates with hundreds of thousands of followers online.

• Going Global: It’s not just for the Potteries anymore. Dan discusses his ambitious journey to take the Staffordshire Oatcake into new markets, breaking boundaries across the UK and even looking toward international horizons.

• The Weight of Small Biz: A candid look at the grit, long hours, and occasional burnt edges of entrepreneurship. Dan’s honesty about the highs and lows is a masterclass for anyone looking to start their own venture.

• Community First: Beyond the shop floor, Dan is a man on a mission to give back. We hear about his tireless efforts to clean up the local Kidsgrove community and why he believes a business should be a force for good in its neighborhood.

Dan’s positivity is infectious. Whether he’s talking about the perfect cheese-to-bacon ratio or his passion for local activism, his enthusiasm shines through every minute of this conversation. It’s an episode about food, sure—but more importantly, it’s about heart, hustle, and the power of a local lad with a big vision.

Order your oatcakes here :

Kidsgrove Oatcakes

tallboyradio.com

Grab a cold one and settle in, because this week’s episode is a dizzying mix of temporal confusion and gritty New York City history.

Before we get to our heavy-hitting guest, we open with Beans trying to figure out why Gaz showed up to the recording session exactly sixty minutes early—and completely stressed out.

It turns out Gaz has been "bamboozled" by the Atlantic divide. While the UK is still cruising along on Summer Time, the US clocks have already jumped back. Gaz spent the morning convinced he’d missed his alarm, his breakfast, and potentially his entire life, only to realize he’s just victims of the "Daylight Savings Gap." Beans, naturally, offers zero sympathy and instead spends ten minutes explaining how "The Sun doesn't care about your Google Calendar, mate."

Once the temporal dust settles, the boys are joined by a true legend of the force: Retired Lt. Cmdr. Vernon J. Geberth. While many know him as the "Godfather of Homicide Investigation," today we’re diving into his high-octane early years in the Narcotics Division.

Vernon takes us back to a version of New York that feels like a fever dream—a time of open-air drug markets and "Wild West" policing. The highlights include:

• The Siege of Christopher Columbus High School: Vernon breaks down the massive operation to reclaim the Bronx school from the grip of local dealers. It wasn't just about arrests; it was about "cleaning house" so kids could actually walk to class without tripping over a crime scene.

• The "Swinging" Detective: In perhaps the most "Hollywood" moment in Tall Boy history, Vernon recounts a raid where the front door wasn't an option. He describes the adrenaline of swinging through a high-rise window on a rope to catch a dealer off guard. (Gaz asks the important questions here, specifically: "Did you feel like James Bond, or were you just worried about the rope snapping?")

• Street Lessons: From the psychology of a bust to the sheer grit required to work undercover in the 70s and 80s, Vernon provides a masterclass in old-school detective work.

Buy a copy of Vernon's book here

THE GODFATHER OF HOMICIDE: VERNON J. GEBERTH A COP'S COP eBook : Cardillo, Vince: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

tallboyradio.com

This episode of The Tall Boy Radio Podcast is a deep dive into the grit, the grind, and the soul of policing. Hosts Beans and Gaz sit down with a man who has seen it all: retired Miami-Dade Sergeant Bert Gonzalez.

Taking a journey through the pages of Bert’s gripping book, The Real Greatest Show on Earth, the conversation moves far beyond standard "cop stories" to explore the profound human cost of wearing the badge.

The Weight of the BadgeThe guys explore the internal reality of law enforcement that rarely makes the evening news. Bert opens up about the immense pressures placed on every officer, detailing the mental health struggles, the strain on domestic life, and the heavy personal toll extracted by a career spent on the front lines.

Cocaine Cowboys & HomicideStepping back into one of the most volatile eras in American history, the episode takes a look at the homicide rates and the sheer chaos of Miami during the "Cocaine Cowboys" years. Bert provides a firsthand perspective on what it was like to police a city under siege by drug cartels and unprecedented violence.

The Modern Front LineThe discussion pivots to the present day with a sobering look at Active Shooter training. Bert shares his expertise on the evolution of tactical responses and the harrowing preparation required to face modern-day threats.

Sgt. Maverick is Heading EastTo wrap things up on a high note, the crew discusses Bert’s (aka Sgt. Maverick’s) upcoming trip across the pond to our "Green and Pleasant Lands." The guys talk travel plans, cultural shifts, and what the Sergeant is looking forward to most during his visit to the UK.

Check out SGT Maverick's website

SGT.MAVERICK

tallboyradio.com

Crack open a cold one and grab your GPS—this week, Gaz and Beans are diving headfirst into the world of high-stakes hide-and-seek. Is it a hobby? A sport? A lifestyle choice that makes your neighbors wonder why you’re poking around a guardrail at 2:00 AM?

To get the answers, the boys are joined by a true legend of the game: Scott Berks from the Geocaching Podcast. Scott doesn't just "find" caches; he conquers them. With a staggering 33,000 finds under his belt, Scott shares what it’s like to live a life governed by coordinates.

• The Quest for the 50 States: Scott discusses his near-complete map of the US. He’s logged a cache in every single state except for Hawaii (which, let's be honest, is a pretty good excuse for a future trip).

• The Wild North: While many flock to the tropics, Scott reveals why Alaska stands as his absolute favorite caching destination, citing the raw terrain and the sheer scale of the adventure.

• Urban Jungles vs. The Great Outdoors: The crew breaks down the fundamental divide in the community. Do you prefer the "stealth mode" required for urban micro-caches in a busy city, or the grueling hike for a remote ammo can in the woods?

• The ET Highway: Scott takes us on a deep dive into his journey down Nevada’s famous Extraterrestrial Highway. Hear what it’s like to tackle one of the most famous "power trails" in the world, where the caches are numbered in the thousands and the desert sun is unforgiving.

Whether you’re a veteran cacher with a "First to Find" addiction or you still think a "muggle" is just something from a Harry Potter book, Scott’s passion is infectious. Gaz and Beans try to wrap their heads around the dedication required to hit 33,000 finds while debating if they have the physical stamina to walk more than 50 yards from the pub for a plastic container.

Listen to the Geocaching podcast on Spotify

Geocaching Podcast | Podcast on Spotify

Head to their website

The Geocaching Podcast – An Informative Weekly Geocaching Show

tallboyradio.com

In this special episode of Tall Boy Radio, host Beans dives deep into the enigmatic, often polarizing, and endlessly fascinating world of Steven Patrick Morrissey. To help navigate this complex cultural landscape, Beans is joined by George and Chris, the seasoned voices behind the Morrissey and Wine podcast.

The conversation is more than just a standard track-by-track breakdown; it’s an exploration of the unique gravity Morrissey exerts on his audience.

The trio spends a significant portion of the episode dissecting the "why" behind the "who." They explore the deep-rooted connection that fans feel toward the former Smiths frontman—a bond that often transcends music and borders on the spiritual.

Key themes include:

• The Voice of the Outsider: How Morrissey’s lyrics provided a sanctuary for the "misfits" of the 80s and continues to resonate with those who feel out of step with the modern world.

• The Nature of Devotion: A look at why Morrissey fans are among the most loyal (and protective) in the music industry.

• The Complexity of the Idol: Navigating the difficult waters of being a fan in the 21st century, balancing the artistry against the headlines.

Recorded on the cusp of a new era, the episode captures the electric anticipation surrounding the upcoming album, Make-up is a Lie. Since the record had yet to drop at the time of recording, George, Chris, and Beans engage in some educated speculation and shared excitement.

They discuss:

• What the title suggests about Morrissey’s current headspace.

• Expectations for the sonic direction—will it be a return to jangly roots or a continuation of his grand, orchestral solo style?

• The significance of a new release in maintaining the momentum of his storied career.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan who has every B-side on vinyl or someone who is simply curious about the "Cult of Moz," this crossover event offers a balanced, witty, and insightful look at an artist who refuses to be ignored. With George and Chris providing their expert "wine-fueled" perspective and Beans steering the ship, it’s a masterclass in music fandom.

Listen to the Morrissey and Wine podcast on Spotify

Morrissey and Wine | Podcast on Spotify

tallboyradio.com

In this episode of Tall Boy Radio, host Beans sits down with a true Renaissance man of the New York creative scene: Gabriel Rotello.

From the grimy, loud-fast-rules energy of the 1970s underground to the high-stakes world of investigative journalism, Gabriel’s career has been a masterclass in following one's curiosity—wherever it may lead.

• The CBGB Era: Gabriel takes us back to the summer of 1977. We discuss the sweaty, sticker-covered walls of the legendary Bowery club and what it was really like to be in the room while the foundations of punk and new wave were being laid.

• The Musical Journey: Before he was a chronicler of culture, he was a creator within it. Gabriel shares stories from his own musical career, the transition from the stage to the page, and how the "DIY" ethos of the punk scene influenced his later work.

• A Journalist’s Legacy: As an influential journalist and the founding editor of OutWeek, Gabriel played a pivotal role in LGBTQ+ media. He and Beans discuss the art of the scoop, the responsibility of the press during times of crisis, and what it means to be a "truth-teller" in a changing media landscape.

• "The CBGB conspiracy": The heart of the conversation centers on Gabriel’s latest novel. Set against the backdrop of 1977 New York—a city on the brink of both a cultural explosion and financial collapse—the book serves as both a love letter and a gritty post-mortem of a specific moment in time.

Whether you’re a music history buff, an aspiring novelist, or someone who misses the "old New York," this conversation bridges the gap between lived experience and historical fiction. Gabriel offers a unique perspective on how we remember our past and why the stories we tell about it still matter today.

"You didn't go to CBGB to see a polished performance; you went to see someone figure out who they were in real-time. That's what I wanted to capture in the book." — Gabriel Rotello

Buy The CBGB conspiracy here

The CBGB Conspiracy eBook : Rotello, Gabriel: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Storetallboyradio.com

Grab your neon glow sticks and prepare for a sugar rush! This week on Tall Boy Radio, we’re taking a sticky, neon-colored trip down memory lane.

Beans and Gaz are joined by a very special guest—Beans’ brother, Jon—to tackle the definitive "Alcopop Challenge." We’re revisiting the drinks that defined (and occasionally ruined) our youth to see if they hold up today or if they belong firmly in the 90s.

We subject our adult palates to a gauntlet of synthetic flavors, including:

• The Classics: Reef, WKD Blue, Smirnoff Ice, and the legendary Bacardi Breezer.

• The Heavy Hitters: MD 20/20 (Kiwi and Lemon flavor—yes, it’s as green as it sounds).

• The Modern Chaos: VK shots and the high-octane Soopa Hooch.

To settle the age-old debate of whether these drinks are marketed toward adults or adolescents, we’ve brought in a consultant: Beans’ daughter, Matilda. While she stays strictly away from the tasting, she provides an unfiltered look at the packaging and branding. Does a bright blue bottle with a lightning bolt scream "Sophisticated Adult" or "Teenager’s Secret Stash"? Her verdict might surprise you.

It’s not all fun and neon tongues. We take a terrifying deep dive into the sugar content and calorie counts of these liquid desserts. We’ll break down exactly how much damage one bottle of "Blue" does to your health goals.

In a move that defies both logic and medical advice, we finish the episode by mixing every single drink on the table into one glass. Can we create a masterpiece of mixology, or have we just invented the world's most efficient way to get a headache?

Join us for the ratings, the regrets, and the ultimate sugar crash.

Note: Please drink responsibly. Unlike us, you have to wake up tomorrow.

tallboyradio.com

In this high-stakes episode of Tall Boy Radio, Beans and Gaz step out of the usual pub banter and into the shadowy world of elite protection. Joining the boys in the studio is Andrew G. Nelson, a retired NYPD Sergeant whose career reads more like a Hollywood thriller than a standard beat.

For years, Nelson was the man standing between the world's most influential figures and potential chaos. From the spiritual gravity of Pope John Paul II to the political firestorms surrounding President Bill Clinton and Yasser Arafat, Andrew provides a rare, behind-the-curtain look at what it’s really like to "keep the peace" when the whole world is watching.

• The Weight of the Badge: What goes through your mind when you’re responsible for the safety of a Pontiff or a President?

• The Art of the Detail: Andrew breaks down the logistical nightmares and split-second decision-making required for high-level dignitary protection in the "Capital of the World."

• From Sirens to Stories: How a career on the front lines of the NYPD transitioned into a prolific life as an author. With 15 books under his belt, Andrew discusses how he captures the grit and reality of police work on the page.

• Unfiltered Memoirs: The guys get Andrew to spill on the personalities behind the titles—who was the easiest to guard, and who kept the detail on their toes?

Whether you're a true crime junkie, a history buff, or just someone who loves a good story from a man who’s seen it all, this is one episode you can't afford to miss. Grab a cold one and settle in for a masterclass in security, service, and storytelling.

"In my line of work, a good day is when absolutely nothing happens. But you have to be ready for the second that changes." — Andrew G. Nelson

Buy Andrew's books on Amazon

Perfect Pawn: 1 (James Maguire): Amazon.co.uk: Nelson, Andrew G.: 9780991129713: Books

Hear more from Andrew on his website

ANDREW G. NELSON

www.tallboyradio.com