Grab a coffee woffee, it’s time for a debrief. Welcome to The Sofa Stories Podcast with furniture retailer, entrepreneur and Padel addict, Nick Bianchi with Oli Dunn, chocolatier, presenter and “professional fun haver”.
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Oli Dunn And Nick Bianchi Podcasts
Send us a text Join “NB and Choc” LIVE STYLE at Brook Lane Coffee Co. Alderley Edge. With our fabulous Training, Development and Coaching Expert and Mentor to teams of professionals in the corporate world as well as children - Jess Lomas. Jess has an infectious energy and passion for helping others build confidence and a wealth of skills and knowle…
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5K LIVE FROM ARIGHI BIANCHI - The Boardroom
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Send us a text Join us for a Cheeky little catch up on the sofa at the boardroom at Arighi Bianchi. Perhaps on your morning run. Will kick things off with electrolytes and some padel , but we will take you to places that you won’t expect. Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking…
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Send us a text Ladies, Gents and fellow Pod Lovers. Please permit me to grant you access to “The Ben Wain Experience”. A passionate Leader with 20 Years of Retail Sales and Operations Excellence. With two decades of diverse experience in retail sales, performance management, and high-level operations, dedicated to driving success through a people-c…
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Joe Sealey - Business, Boxing and Beating Addiction.
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Send us a text We had the pleasure of welcoming Joe Sealey on the Pod, we talked to Joe who is an ex pro footballer (West Ham) about his fantastic business Mr Whippy (confectionery), Real Housewives of Cheshire and his lovely wife Nicole Sealey, we talked the menopause, padel of course, the untimely death of his late father and Manchester United Go…
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DEAR STAN… ✍️ an EMINEM special with James Cheng
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Send us a text DEAR STAN…. ✍️ I’m delighted to have recorded a bonus episode of The Sofa Stories Podcast with a true gentlemen and fellow Stan from New Jersey, NY- @chejames1985 (IG) James is an official “Stan” as featured in the Eminem documentary “Stans”, this 30 minute bonus episode will release tomorrow, that’s 26th August, to coincide with the…
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Ready, Fire, Aim… Cheeky 5K with NB and Choc!
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Send us a text Good morning to our wonderful listener and friend! We are delighted to bring you this episode, which is true to form a very cheeky 5K. Which includes a little bit of the following and more…. NB exclusive on Chester Zoo. Choc - the Bobby Davro experience at Palé Hall. A social media masterclass, thanks to el burrito monster. And a sea…
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Send us a text Ryan Harris, a business man who is passionate about development and mindset runs - School Of who as well as running “wrap around childcare” at schools, they also have holiday camps spanning across 8 locations in Greater Manchester. Ryan said “COVID was the reset I needed”. A time in which he focused on his mindset and personal develo…
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Send us a text It feels good to be back… LET’S GET INTO IT… Choc and NB record a 5K debrief from Choc Studios and wax lyrical about a whole host of topics including the new bi-weekly podcast format, padel (obvs), Sport and NB’s Jerry Maguire moment, Macclesfield FC and Robbie Savage’s departure, future business plans and inspiration from all angles…
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Simon Dunn Chocolatier - World Chocolate Day
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Send us a text In celebration of World Chocolate Day, we are proud to invite Simon Dunn Chocolatier on to the Pod, a father and son episode delving into Papa Choc’s journey into confectionery and chocolate production, an insight into life as a Chocolatier and what it was like making the national headlines when closing the Wilmslow shop, the end of …
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Send us a text Having Tommy in the studio just made us smile, not only because he's a Rugby Union legend who played for Sale Sharks, Wasps RFC and England in The Six Nations. He's getting married this Saturday so it was a real privilege to get him in Choc Studios on such a big week. So interesting hearing about Tommy's journey, his enthusiasm not j…
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Send us a text We are VERY excited for this next chapter of The Sofa Stories Podcast. Thank you for being with us on this journey, we appreciate YOU! NB and Choc xx Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encoura…
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Send us a text Choc’s back from the sun and no he hasn’t completely melted, back in Choc Studios with NB ready for a cheeky 5K catch up with you our fabulous listener, thank you for joining us! 🙏🏼 Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can eng…
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Send us a text Before flying to Menorca “Choc” managed to grab a cheeky 5K to catch up on all things Padel, Arighi Bianchi and all things planet NB. We hear about; Blackpool, The Soap Awards, Kate Hardcastle - The Science Of Shopping book launch, including a mini interview with Arighi Bianchi’s very own Ella Beattie aka “Beats”. This is how we do..…
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Send us a text We reserved a seat for you at Arighi Bianchi’s Brunch Club, vicariously and virtually at least! Hosted by NB, featuring guest speaker “Choc”. Oli’s talk is around his journey from Oli to Oli The Choc, from shyness to confidence, from uncertain to conviction, from apprentice to master, his talk centres around CONFIDENCE as a running t…
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Send us a text Simply a classic episode of sofa stories if I may say so, classic NB and Choc variety and randomness which I think the title suggests! No spoilers here, I think those that listen regularly and know us well will appreciate this one. Let us know how this one goes down in your ears and what you enjoyed the most. Thank you always, NB and…
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Send us a text An eclectic mix as usual for a Choc and NB debrief, aka the “5K” catch up episode. Including an amuse-bouche intro to NB’s trip to the Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic “El Clasico”, Oli’s school reunion and a discussion about politics both side of the pond, Starmer, Trump and a surreal conversation about P-Diddy and the artist formerly k…
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Send us a text Join NB and Choc for a vibey catch up, never a dull moment. Anticipation builds for NB as he prepares to head to the Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic and Oli prepares for a big Chocolate Party at Gino D’Acampo restaurant for INNSiDE by Melia Manchester’s 10th birthday. Enjoy the pod, and don’t forget - FOLLOW THE SUN! ☀️ Follow @the_sofa…
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Send us a text It’s time for a Padel debrief. We are sharing the first episode of The Padel Stories Podcast with you to give you a taste. If you’re into your Padel like NB and JD hopefully you’ll keep an eye/ ear out for upcoming episodes. 👇🏼 Welcome to The Padel Stories with Nick Bianchi and Jen Dooley , a new exciting weekly podcast (part of the …
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Interview with Oli The Choc on Strawberry Radio. 📻
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Send us a text Let’s get to know “Choc” a bit better, with a little help from broadcaster extraordinaire Paul Taylor from Strawberry Radio in Stockport. Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and inspiring statements which we can engage with on the show. We encourage our liste…
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Safari's, Glamping and Crown Green Bowls.
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Send us a text Come with us on some UK staycation adventures Including a Safari in the Midlands, Glampio Bedo in Anglesey and a beautiful game of Crown Green Bowls at the Union Club Alderley Edge. Check out Glampio Bedo North Wales for relaxing stays and sauna - https://www.instagram.com/glampio_bedo_sawna?igsh=MWlxbzdrYWxkYnVicw== Stay Close… NB a…
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Bowie, Bono and Broadcasting - Tony Michealides 🎙️
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Send us a text Tony Michaelides. Piccadilly Radio / Key 103’s legendary broadcaster. Plugger of the music industry’s most prolific and influential artists. Tony Michaelides aka Tony The Greek shares his story and insight into his journey, the industry and his unique perspective and experience. He’s a Starman! Thank you for being part of the Sofa St…
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Send us a text Happy Easter from NB and Choc! 🐣 We hope you enjoyed the last edition featuring Harrison Bianchi and the previous episode with Paul Cheetham, it was a great listen, I had my pen and paper out for that one!Let me know your takeaways from that episode. I did an interview on the 18th April with Dan Westwood from Gorgeous radio and I pla…
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Send us a text NB and Choc Sync up following Oli’s debut on ITV’s This Morning and Nick’s announcement regarding Premium Padel brand Hirostar. With a very special featuring - Harrison Bianchi. This is how we do. Let’s get into it… Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions and/ or thought provoking and ins…
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Paul Cheetham - Business Leader, Entrepreneur and Charity Founder.
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Send us a text This week, we were delighted to welcome business leader, entrepreneur and charity founder Paul Cheetham onto our podcast for our leading interview. Paul is the true essence of an entrepreneur, starting his business advisory firm Sedulo 16 years ago from scratch. Today Sedulo boasts offices in Manchester, London, Liverpool and Birming…
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Professor Simon Hayward - The Art Of Leadership.
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Send us a text It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Professor Simon Hayward onto our Sofa Stories podcast a as part of our leading interview series. Simon is very much a doyen in Leadership. In his career, he has built and sold two award-winning international consulting firms (Academy & Cirrus) , both focused on leadership, and has had two best s…
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Send us a text Sofa Stories. Choc Stories. Van Stories. Padel Stories. We are ALL about those stories this week !! As always! Including; NB Family Business Conference In London with Arighi Bianchi. Oli’s new Chocmobile and ambitious plans. Dubai Chocolate. Hype worthy? Padel News, all things Trafford Park and Rick Piper’s Chiquita. IYKYK. Macclesfi…
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Send us a text Join NB, Choc and our very Special guest this week - Jennifer Dooley. There’s a very good reason why Jen is on the sofa with us and it coincides with an exclusive announcement this week. No spoilers here. This episode is filled with a variety of topics including - a recent corporate padel tournament, the importance of stretching, cof…
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Send us a text Come with NB and Choc on a journey from Choc Towers to the Oval Office (figuratively) to the pubs of The Wirral and back. No strong opinions or bias here (except for the beers) we are just curious and chatting things through. But as always we’d love to hear your thoughts. DM us on IG either just for a direct chat or share or to featu…
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Behind The Gary Neville 50th Chocolate Cake
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Send us a text NB & Choc take a little look behind the scenes at Oli’s Chocolate Smash Cake for Gary Neville’s 50th amongst many other stories this week local and global including, leadership, confidence, Trump, Young Voices, MC Grammar, The Pollen Club Manchester, Snore-proof beds, Mr Chows Parkgate and believe it or not MORE. So rather predictabl…
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Send us a text Casual 5K… Including Bakery Rave rumours - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAbhuWAAuh6/?igsh=MWJqNjk1d3M0dDY2bA== manifesting themselves within the sofa stories multiverse, nudge, hint Jon Wilkin (Half Dozen Other). OLI’S order for Gary Neville. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGaRuH8sTkm/?igsh=MW9rM3YxdnRjZW9jaw== Padel Tripper - http…
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Send us a text High energy catch up with NB and Choc. Including; A nostalgic and impromptu rendition of “Come On You Reds” reminiscent of The Class Of 1994 at Man United. The origins of art forms Hip-Hop and Podcasting you didn’t know you needed. Chitter chatter about MC Grammar, Young Voices and yet even more of an ECLECTIC mix of convo to run/ wa…
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Football Club Owner, Entrepreneur, Disrupter - Carol Shanahan OBE.
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Send us a text We are absolutely thrilled to interview Carol Shanahan OBE, welcoming her to The Sofa Stories Family. EFL Football club owner, entrepreneur, disruptor and a passionate builder of communities. From her upbringing in Lincolnshire and West Bromwich (the latter where she discovered her love of football), to going straight from school int…
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Send us a text Film maker, YouTube sensation, content rebel, travel inspirer, Floyd Mayweather fight sneaker-in’er 🥊, zero dollar traveller (think NY to LA), does Simon Wilson need an introduction? Surely not! But he does deserve a good old fashioned “BIG-UP”! 🙌🏻🤩 Don’t take our word for it, listen for yourself. If the way Simon speaks about travel…
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Send us a text There’s been a LOT going on with NB and Choc (SHOCK) lately. While NB has been on a Padel trip to Alicante for 30 or so hours, Oli has been joining the travels vicariously. In this Episode NB interviews Ian Ryder of Padel Tripper, live-style in Alicante along with more behind the scenes look at what’s going on in Cheshire, Manchester…
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The Padel Revolution with Kris Ball - CEO, The Padel Club.
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Send us a text PADEL - what’s all the fuss about? If you’re not playing Padel yet, chances are you know someone who is. In this episode of Sofa Stories, NB and Choc speak with Kris Ball - CEO of The Padel Club. We delve into why Padel is the fastest growing sport in the UK and learn about origins of The Padel Club and how Kris Ball turned a vision …
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Impromptu politics debrief, NB with ex MP Richard Graham.
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Send us a text In our first bonus episode, NB has a quick impromptu chat with XMP Richard Graham about politics, padel and podcasts. It is all going down at The Padel Club Gloucester Quays.Since 2012 Richard has served Prime Ministers David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak since November 2012 as their Trade Envoy: first to Indone…
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Send us a text As we (NB and Choc) build towards our interview with The Padel Club CEO Kris Ball, we pour out our excitement by way of a 5K Debrief. We just can’t help it. We cover a lot here so it’s not available for synopsis, you just have to listen to find out what’s inside (unapologetic plea) we hope your curiosity gets the better of you and we…
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Send us a text THE RIPPLE EFFECT… No this isn’t Oli talking chocolate bars (this time), we are referring to the knock on effect of The Sofa Stories Podcast. Amongst other hot topics in this weeks 5K NB and Choc fantasise what the ripple effect could look like in the future, for us and for our awesome listeners (you) too. There are bound to be some …
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The Power Of 0% Alcohol, Intermittent Fasting & Longevity of life with Dr Sam.
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Send us a text We kick 2025 off with not only the best intentions but with knowledge and biology hacks from medical expert Dr Sam, we talk about the reality that exists in alcohol free and unlocking the best version of YOU. Along with longevity and how Oxford Natural Clinic are using cutting edge A technology, tests and treatments for their clients…
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Send us a text Let’s take a moment to pause and reflect. 2024, what a year it has been. Thank YOU for being here and for listening to The Sofa Stories Podcast , it truly means the world. Let us know your highlights and takeaways so far via Instagram @the._sofastories_podcast Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with an…
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Send us a text We love a 5K debrief, (albeit this is more like an 8k or a 5K walk ;). Lapland advertures for NB and a British Airways Corporate event for Choc. Romy’s first nativity for Daddy Choc, NB’s visit from 40 Beijing business students at Arighi Bianchi. We love a good tangent on this show and in this episode we made the ultimate pivot/ segu…
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Send us a text It's a pleasure to welcome on to the sofa a great friend of NB and OD - Charlie Womersley aka; Charlie The Wine. 🍷 Charlie specialises in wine tastings and consultancy, with 45 years in his field, his passion is infectious as is his charisma. What makes a good wine? What should we look for? What should we avoid? What is best with Ita…
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Send us a text Stop what you’re doing and listen, it’s a wholesome 5K episode not to be missed. We’ve covered some tracks here from the Cheshire Business Awards to the Manchester Art Fair and everything inbetween, including notes to one’s future self and boozing clever?! Stay Classy. Ps as mentioned in the Pod. Good Luck to Wilmslow Youth and Becki…
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Michael Webster - Former Butler to the late Queen and the Royal Family.
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Send us a text The 90’s was a turbulent time and in 1992 our late Queen was remembered for using the famous Latin phrase - Annus Horriblis. For a year involving. A serious fire at Windsor Castle The divorce of the Princess Royal The separation of the Duke of York from his wife Marriage problems for the Prince of Wales Former butler to the late Quee…
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Send us a text NB and Choc with a cheeky 5K debrief. Let us know your thoughts and takeaways on Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/the_sofastories_podcast?igsh=MTQ3cGJxNXJlaTJ2Zw== or text us via Spotify. Don’t think, DO! think, do! As promised here’s the newsroom clip 🇺🇸 as mentioned by NB/ from Ed Rowlinson in the last part of this episode. htt…
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Send us a text It’s episode 26 of SS and we are delighted to welcome our friend George Blackshaw onto the Ruxley Sofa at Arighi Bianchi. George is a real life example of how to “flip it”, we can’t always control what happens to us in life but we can control how we react to it. George had an accident at 2 years old which led to him being “disabled” …
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Send us a text Such a privilege to have, legend, comedian, actor, singer, padel tennis ambassador, all round Entertainer, man of wisdom and a true gentleman - Jason Manford on the sofa with us. Give this episode a listen, you won’t regret it. Let’s get into it. Follow @the_sofastories_podcast on Instagram. Send us a voice note with any questions an…
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Send us a text In this episode, we delved into some uncharted Territories thanks for some fantastic questions from our listeners. we were equally surprised by our answers as we were by the questions and some cases. We had a fun time. I hope you will join us. If anyone has any other questions, we will do part two. Happy Halloween! 👻 Follow @the_sofa…
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Send us a text This episode of The Sofa Stories Podcast is nicknamed “The Michael Jordan”, not because we speak about the Chicago Bulls or the NBA, but because of its number. We’re not talking about Oli’s only fans account as the the title may suggest. This week’s topic is “Negativity on social media”.. Along with much more lyrical waxing, includin…
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Send us a text The University Academy founded by The Class Of 92 under world class football manager Sir Alex Ferguson. UA92 is an absolute credit to its founders - Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt. It was a total privilege to host a live Podcast at University Academy 92 (UA92) as part of their wellbeing festival t…
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