A thoughtful gift prompts deep discussion about childhood insecurities and overcoming them. From the flow state things that make you forget about time, to the pro’s and cons of being self employed vs having a job, we cover a lot of ground. Finally, we talk about a heavy topic: assisted suicide. We share feelings and thoughts, showing that tough subjects can be handled with care. Join us for a laid-back, insightful journey through life's big questions. If you enjoy today’s episode...

A candid conversation about all the weird and wonderful things that being a paraplegic entails. We hope that hearing us laugh about it can help newly injured folk come to terms with their situation. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/apesontape/message

A conversation on honesty, relationships and distance.  Benji talks about the joys of his recent holiday with his mum and girlfriend and the challenges of long distance relationships.  Freddo talks of having the opposite experience when enveloped in a love bubble with his girlfriend. We explore the nature of direct communication and ask why it can feel so uncomfortable sometimes, while remaining crucial for personal growth and resolving conflicts. Is it better to be kind than to...

Pedaling dreams from Argentina to Alaska. I was fortunate to recently meet Christian Hosking, who accomplished something truly extraordinary by cycling not only through the rugged terrains of Patagonia and the demanding Alaskan wilderness but also enduring a continuous mental trial. Over 18 months, he cycled two continents. Each pedal seemed to bring new challenges and insights, which he shares with me over an informal chat. His journey is fascinating and we go on to talk about some...

Pete was there on the day of my Spinal Cord Injury, playing a pivotal role in the rescue mission after I snowboarded off a cliff. Now, in his second podcast visit, we catch up on life post-accident. It's a down-to-earth conversation, full of real talk and reflections on where life has taken us since that fateful day.  We share how the accident's ripples have affected us in different ways, discussing personal growth, unexpected challenges, and the twists and turns of life after such a...

In this special in person episode, Benji shares how he met Roz, and Freddo shares how he met Cris, a pair of equally sweet stories of romance and love ❤️ We share how special the serendipitous journeys running in parallel have multiplied the joy for both of us. We share the biggest lessons learned, highlights, lowlights and accomplishments from both of us. We also end up in tears at the end when Benji reads a very emotional tribute to his friend Barbara who passed away last year....

“Yule Can’t Handle The Truth” Welcome, dear listeners, to another heartfelt episode of apes on tape, where raw conversations intertwine with laughter, exploring the profound tapestry of friendship, mental health, and the quirks that make us human. In this week's authentic exchange, Benji vulnerably unfolds the recent loss of a dear friend, unravelling the intricate tapestry of emotions that inevitably accompany such a profound event. Simultaneously, Freddo sheds light on his ongoing...

When a friend of Freddos drops in after a decade of not seeing each other, it offers the perfect opportunity to capture a wonderful conversation about what it is to stay young at heart. Ever wondered what revelations come from a mushroom ceremony? We share our insights from a recent one we embarked on just before recording.  We even delve into self-love and the secrets to living a happier life. There's something for everyone in this heartfelt and candid conversation as we reminisce...

In today's conversation, Freddo chat’s with Tom Powell, a dedicated listener of the podcast, who recently reached out with a question about mushroom ceremonies. Little did we know, our connection would lead us to a story too incredible not to share. Tom just happened to be there on the day when Freddo snowboarded off a cliff, resulting in a life-altering accident that left him paralysed from the waist down.  During our conversation, Tom takes us back to that life-changing day, sharing...

Benji recounts another vehicle mishap, leading to a heartwarming tale of community support involving a helpful neighbour with a tractor. The conversation takes an intriguing turn when Benji wonders if AI could replicate the profound wisdom of philosopher Alan Watts. Could an AI, armed with Watts' vast catalog of talks, generate new insights and knowledge? Freddo contemplates the possibility that the AI Alan could even surpass the original, sparking a fascinating discussion about the...

The Story of My Dad That Died While Freddo initially shares lighthearted tales of joy and inspiration stemming from a mushroom ceremony, Benji throws a curveball with probing questions about Freddo's relationship with his parents. This unexpected twist leads to a poignant and deeply personal story: Freddo's discovery of his father's lifeless body when he was just 8 years old. Freddo recounts this traumatic scene with an almost robotic detachment, offering a unique perspective on how a...

Whether you're facing challenges of your own or seeking inspiration, this podcast promises to leave you with a renewed sense of hope and possibility. Freddo chats with Brian Kinney, the face behind the Paralyzed Living YouTube channel.  Brian shares his remarkable journey from the moment he faced a life-altering spinal cord injury that left him paralysed from the nipples down to his incredible transformation into a source of hope and empowerment. In this candid conversation, Brian discusses...

This episode is sure to leave you both entertained and inspired, with a reminder that life's disasters can sometimes lead to the most memorable and heartwarming moments. Benji takes us on another wild journey with one of his famous "vanecdotes."  It's a story that proves life can throw you the craziest curveballs, but it's your reaction that truly counts. Get ready for a hilarious rollercoaster ride featuring tow trucks, tuxedos, and explosive diarrhea! But beyond the laughs, this...

Freddo talks about his latest YouTube video, where he answers the question “What advice would you have given yourself when you first got injured?” This prompts Benji to ask a series of leading questions that bring us to the heavy topic of the suicidal thoughts and depression that Freddo faced back then, and an impromptu trip down memory lane.  Details never spoken of on a public platform come to light and while raw and emotional at times, it is handled with humour and tackled...

We continue our glorious gratitude journey with serendipitous synchronicity as we are both in the honeymoon period of new romance and love, prompting questions on how we will remember these days through the lens of nostalgia one day, and how our future selves will thank us for being so present and grounded. What lessons are learned from previous life adventures that give such present day insight? How has Freddo has used century old stoic wisdom to pacify his angry mind when able bodied...

Join Freddo and Benji in another thought-provoking and hilarious episode as they delve into the complex realms of mortality, wellbeing, and life's unexpected twists. We explore the reasons behind the traditional fear of death and ponder the contrasting emotions surrounding the loss of young versus old lives. Be prepared for laughter as Freddo recounts a daring encounter with a class of teenagers. What begins as an inspirational talk takes an unexpected turn when Freddo decides to showcase...

In this shockingly honest episode, Freddo and Benji talk about the intricacies of new romance and Freddo's recent experience of being asked to go on another podcast to talk about sexual intimacy after a spinal cord injury, which inspires some unexpected revelations, including the importance of open and honest communication about things that were previously too embarrassing to share. Benji recounts some of his recent highlights which include some once in a lifetime opportunities like a...

In this episode Freddo talks with Mickey Fitz, a close friend whose journey has taken him from the slopes of Morzine to the vibrant world of Formula E, and beyond, creating stunning films that captivate audiences worldwide. In this candid and thought-provoking conversation, we share deeply personal experiences and insights on how our friendship has grown and evolved over the last ten years. We delve into some of the most transformative moments we've shared together, including a...

In this podcast, Freddo and Benji discuss the fascinating advances of Artificial Intelligence, and the potentially disconcerting future that lies before us as a species.  While Freddo mourns the loss of his job, Benji highlights the value of talk therapy for maintaining one's mental health.  Benji shares a hilarious anecdote about buying a flashy new e-bike and then forgetting the code after locking it up outside the supermarket.  Freddo recounts his reluctance to release a recent...

Welcome to a captivating new episode of the podcast, where I am joined by the inspiring Brittney Neunzig from the Empowered Para YouTube channel.  In this engaging conversation, we explore a range of thought-provoking topics, each of which is sure to leave you feeling uplifted and inspired. We start by discussing the journey of coming to terms with paralysis, a challenge that both Brittney and I have personally experienced. We shed light on the emotional and mental toll of coping with a...

- A tale of avalanche survival with Alastair Band -   Freddo talks with his friend Bandy, who survived being caught in an avalanche and breaking his back. Despite the trauma and physical limitations, he now has a fresh new outlook on life that he shares with us, along with valuable lessons learned.  We also discuss the polarity of his broken back versus Freddo’s own spinal cord injury which he sustained in a similar snowboard accident four years ago, which resulted in paralysis of his...

Join us for a stimulating and lighthearted conversation about life and love, as we delve into a variety of topics that touch upon the human experience. We explore the transformative power of gratitude, reflect on the unexpected growth of our podcast, and take a trip down the rabbit hole of lucid dreaming and mushroom ceremonies. Benji shares his experiences of the joys and challenges of living with a newborn baby, while Freddo offers his unique perspective as a mentor for those with spinal...

In this episode of the Podcast, Fred invites his friend Simeon to take a deep dive into life and the milestone of turning 40. With a mix of light-hearted banter and more serious discussions, they explore the topics of loneliness, depression, self-comparison, and the meaning of success. From funny anecdotes to profound reflections, this episode is sure to bring a smile to your face as well as make you think, so if you're looking for an interesting conversation between two friends that dives...

Join us in this beautiful conversation as we delve into the importance of self-care and self-love through the lens of one man's daily morning routine. From mindfulness and exercise, to cold showers and journaling, Benji shares the benefits and rewards of incorporating these practices into daily life. He explains how these practices have helped him to be more productive, focused, and content in his daily life, and how they have led to personal growth and self-discovery. We also explore the...