The 121 Podcast Show is where real stories get real.
Hosted by Andy Thomas, the show dives into unfiltered conversations with people from all walks of life, business owners, sports professionals, creatives, local legends, and close friends.
No polish. Just honesty, laughter, and the moments that don’t usually make the highlight reel.
This is a space where vulnerability meets strength, where the highs are celebrated, the lows are owned, and nothing is off-limits.
If you’re here for inspiration, relatability, or a proper laugh, you’re in the right place.
The 121 Podcast Show - real people, real stories, one episode at a time.
Darren Manning “Managing Grays Athletic: The Highs, The Pressure & My Departure”
Former Grays Athletic F.C. manager Darren Manning joins me to reflect on one of the most important chapters of his football journey.
A lifelong supporter of the club, Darren went from standing on the terraces as a fan to managing his boyhood team from the dugout, a journey that made his time at Grays Athletic even more personal.
From taking charge with a clear vision, to navigating the pressures and realities of non-league football, Darren opens up about what it’s really like managing a club that means so much to him. He also shares his honest reflections following his recent departure from the role.
We talk about the challenges, the proud moments, the difficult decisions, and how he now looks back on his time leading Grays Athletic.
A thoughtful and candid conversation about football, leadership, loyalty to a club you love, and what the future holds.
25 Feb 2026
"Cooking with Purpose" A Chat with Carina Mercer
In this episode, I sit down with Carina Mercer, founder of Catering by Carina, for a relaxed and honest conversation about food, business, and building something personal from passion.
We talk about how Carina turned her love of cooking into a bespoke catering business, what makes her approach different, and the real work that goes into delivering stress-free, high-quality events.
We cover:
• How her journey into catering began • What “bespoke catering” really means • The types of events she works best with • The common stresses clients face and how she solves them • What makes a great referral for her business
This episode is perfect for anyone planning an event, anyone in business networking, or anyone who loves hearing how passion becomes profession.
If you know someone organising a wedding, private celebration, or corporate event and looking for reliable, personal, high-quality catering — this conversation will show you exactly why Carina should be on their radar.
Links.
https://www.facebook.com/CakefullyHeaven (https://www.facebook.com/CakefullyHeaven)
https://www.facebook.com/cateringbycarina (https://www.facebook.com/cateringbycarina)
https://www.instagram.com/_cakefullyheaven_ (https://www.instagram.com/_cakefullyheaven_)
https://www.instagram.com/cateringbycarina/ (https://www.instagram.com/cateringbycarina/)
Buy the book
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Carinas-Kitchen-my-table-yours-ebook/dp/B0FT5T28Y3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=YDUVMTK358Q6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5EZh7ORLuLa9X9O05KbrxQ.jLl-VQuDmW0wepxRpM8fyaNZ6IdiEgZb7pg09_VKL50&dib_tag=se&keywords=Carina+mercer&qid=1772015592&sprefix=carina+merce%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-1 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Carinas-Kitchen-my-table-yours-ebook/dp/B0FT5T28Y3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=YDUVMTK358Q6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5EZh7ORLuLa9X9O05KbrxQ.jLl-VQuDmW0wepxRpM8fyaNZ6IdiEgZb7pg09_VKL50&dib_tag=se&keywords=Carina+mercer&qid=1772015592&sprefix=carina+merce%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-1)
13 Feb 2026
"When the Truth Really Matters" Paul Bramley
In this episode, I sit down with Paul Bramley, founder of British Polygraph Testing, to explore the fascinating world of lie detection and truth verification. We go beyond the TV drama and dive into what actually happens during a real polygraph test, how it works, what it measures, and the role human psychology plays alongside the technology. We discuss: • What people misunderstand about lie detectors • How accurate is polygraph testing really is • The types of situations where testing is used • The ethical responsibility behind truth verification • The emotional impact of getting clear answers If you’ve ever wondered whether you’d pass a lie detector test or when one might actually make sense, this conversation gives you a grounded, professional insight into the process.
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