Alternative Living Chat

Alternative Living Chat is the podcast that dives into the lives of people who’ve stepped off the beaten path and chosen to live differently. From vanlifers to off-grid adventurers, canal boat dwellers to tiny home pioneers—each episode explores the why, how, and what it’s really like to live a life outside the norm. I ask my guests to be completely open and honest, so you’ll hear the highs, the lows, the challenges, and the unexpected joys of alternative living. If you’re curious about escaping the conventional or just love hearing real stories from real people, this is the podcast for you.

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Episodes

6 days ago

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by Keith and Claire, the warm-hearted duo behind Lola, the charming café boat serving up fresh pizza, coffee, and cakes along the canals. They share what it’s really like to live and work on the water — from firing up the pizza oven to finding community on the towpath. Come aboard and hear how they turned a narrowboat into a floating slice of heaven.
lolathecafeboat.co.uk
pizza@lolathecafeboat.co.ukinstagram.com/lolathecafeboat
facebook.com/lolathecafeboat

Friday May 30, 2025

Welcome to this week's episode of the Alternative Living Chat podcast! Join us as we dive into the captivating journey of Tracy, a former occupational therapist who, together with her husband, traded a traditional home for a life aboard a narrowboat. Discover the adventures, challenges, and joys they encountered as they embraced this unique lifestyle.From surviving winter floods with her pets to building a vibrant community on the river, Tracy shares her inspiring story of resilience and adaptation. Tune in to learn how she transformed a dream of alternative living into reality, and why she encourages others to "go for it."

Wednesday May 14, 2025

In this episode of the Alternative Living Chats podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of Sue and her husband Ian, who spent 20 years renovating a derelict farmhouse in Spain and living off-grid. Situated two hours south of Barcelona in Tortosa, Sue shares the hardships and joys of their unique lifestyle, from enduring cold winters in a caravan to thriving in their self-sufficient home powered completely by solar energy.
Listen as Sue reveals the challenges and rewards of keeping an array of animals, the bittersweet task of re-homing them, and their plans to return to the UK to embrace a new off-grid life aboard a narrowboat. Sue reflects on the community bonds formed and gives a heartfelt perspective on living in Spain, all while looking forward to new adventures on the British waterways.

Wednesday Apr 30, 2025

Join us in this captivating episode of the Alternative Living Chat Podcast, where host Maxine welcomes Sandra Willis, an inspiring individual who has embraced an unconventional lifestyle. Having lived on a narrowboat for 13 years, Sandra shares her unique journey from the bustling life of running an events company to the tranquil existence on the waterways of Ireland and Great Britain.
Discover the challenges and joys Sandra encountered as she transitioned from a busy career to the peacefulness of narrowboat living. She elaborates on her exploration of Ireland's stunning landscapes through her camper van and her new venture, Motorhome Routes Ireland. Sandra offers insights into the practicalities of living on a boat, the freedom and exploration it brings, and how her priorities have shifted over the years.
Tune in to learn about Sandra's bold move to Ireland, her memorable adventures like cruising through the Thames barrier, and how she plans to support herself through her new business. Whether you're intrigued by alternative living or seeking inspiration for a life less ordinary, Sandra's story promises to captivate and inspire.
Website - www.motorhomeroutes.co.uk
Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/MotorhomeRoutesIreland
 

Wednesday Apr 23, 2025

Join host Maxine on the Alternative Living Chats podcast as she explores the unique lifestyles of those who have chosen to live differently—from narrowboats to tiny homes, and everything in between. Dive into the adventures of living on the water, hear firsthand accounts of embracing the off-grid life, and discover the pros and cons of stepping away from the traditional. Learn more about Maxine's personal journey, her inspirations, and the creative endeavors she and her partner pursue while living on their boat. Get inspired by tales of independence and simplicity, and perhaps find a new perspective on living life unconventionally.
Whether you’re curious about the logistics of life on a boat, the challenges of being mobile, or the joy of seeing the world at your own pace, this podcast offers an honest and enlightening conversation on alternative lifestyles. Discover how this way of life has impacted Maxine’s creativity, their connection to nature, and the small community they have built while cruising the canals. Plus, see how you can connect and share your own alternative living story with Maxine on the show.
 
Email Me - Alternativelivingchat@gmail.com

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