In this episode of Over the Falls Podcast, Dave and Dukes are joined by Layla Isis Manga, owner of Alexander’s Estate Agents in Aberystwyth, for a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation about life, family, business and the community she calls home.

Layla takes us back to her upbringing and family life, before sharing her journey into business and the world of property and estate agency in Aberystwyth. We talk about the challenges and rewards of running a local business, her relationship with Aberystwyth and her thoughts on the area.

But this conversation goes far beyond property. We discuss parenting and the risks of smartphones and social media for children, religion and faith, family values, modern life and some of the issues facing parents today.

And, in true Over the Falls fashion, we disappear down more than a few unexpected rabbit holes along the way!

It’s an insightful, honest and thoroughly enjoyable conversation with someone who has plenty to say about business, parenting, property, faith and life in Aberystwyth.

🎙️ In this episode: Layla’s upbringing and family • Alexander’s Estate Agents • running a business in Aberystwyth • the local property market • children, smartphones and social media • parenting • religion and faith • Aberystwyth and its community • and plenty of classic OTF tangents.

Local people, local stories.

After a bit of a break, the microphones are back on and Over the Falls returns with Dave, Med and Dukes behind them once again.

In this catch-up episode, we talk about why we stepped away for a while, why taking a break can sometimes be exactly what's needed, and what the future holds for the podcast.

Of course, it wouldn't be Over the Falls without disappearing down a few rabbit holes along the way. From reminiscing about Aberystwyth supermarkets and legendary water slides to debating Burger King vs McDonald's, there's plenty of nostalgia, laughs and completely unnecessary tangents.

It's great to be back.

If you've missed us, make sure you like, subscribe and let us know in the comments what you'd like to hear (or who you'd like to see) on future episodes.

🎙️ Local people. Local stories.

In this week's episode we discuss the real-life implications for patients and families in Ceredigion with the potential loss of the Stroke unit in Bronglais hospital.

And as always, the conversation takes a few classic tangents — including honest chats about relationships, would you rather fight a grizzly bear or a Lion and some of our favourite TV shows at the moment!

🏥 Highlights Include:

What losing the Bronglais stroke ward could mean locally

NHS services in rural Wales

Emergency stroke care access in Ceredigion

Is arguing in relationships healthy?

Our favourite TV shows at the moment.

📌 A serious conversation with the usual Over the Falls honesty, humour, and perspective.

#BronglaisHospital
#SaveBronglaisStrokeUnit
#StrokeCare
#Aberystwyth
#WelshNHS
#OverTheFallsPodcast

In this episode, we sit down with Owen Roberts — CrossFit Games competitor, 4× Fittest Man in Wales, and 2024 Welsh Fitness Hall of Fame inductee — for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about elite fitness and modern training culture.

Owen talks about his introduction to the gym, his journey through CrossFit, and the growing debate around CrossFit vs Hyrox.

We also dive into big, often controversial topics including diet, weight-loss injections, steroids, and performance-enhancing drugs, exploring the realities, misconceptions, and pressures at the top level of sport.

We finish by looking ahead to Owen’s future plans, mindset, and what longevity in fitness really looks like.🏋️

Highlights include:

Competing at the CrossFit Games

Becoming 4× Fittest Man in Wales

CrossFit vs Hyrox — key differences

Diet, weight loss jabs & modern fitness trends

Steroids & PEDs: honest discussion

Life beyond competition & future goals

📌 A must-listen for anyone interested in elite training, functional fitness, performance, and the truth behind the hype.

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This episode is sponsored by A1 Property in Aberystwyth.

A1 Property is a family-run company based on Northgate Street in Aberystwyth, with a strong knowledge of the local area across lettings, sales, and commercial property.

The company has been owned and run by Sarah & Jason Thomas since 2014 and mainly specialises in property letting, while also operating in the sales market.

If you are looking for any help with your property needs, please feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation consultation.

www.a1propertyuk.co.uk

Call - 01970 602755

#OwenRoberts
#CrossFitGames
#FittestManInWales
#WelshFitness
#EliteAthlete

#OverTheFallsPodcast
#FitnessPodcast
#UKPodcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Phil Woodland, an active police sergeant with Dyfed-Powys Police, for an honest and eye-opening conversation about life in modern policing.Phil shares what motivated him to join the police, the realities of training, and some of the more interesting and challenging situations he’s faced on the job.

We also talk openly about the mental toll policing can take, the importance of looking after mental health, and how fitness and physical training play a huge role in resilience, stress management, and wellbeing for officers.

🚓 Highlights include:

Why Phil joined Dyfed-Powys Police

Police training and preparation

Real-life stories from the front line

The mental health challenges of policing

How fitness helps officers cope with stress and trauma

Phil's personal journey on raising mental health awareness

📌 A raw, respectful, and insightful conversation that sheds light on the human side of policing.

This weeks episode is sponsored by ABBA tree specialists.ABBA Tree Specialists is a family run business that prides in servicing Aberystwyth, surrounding areas and across Wales. With a breadth of experience and expertise we provide all tree, landscaping, fencing, ground works and maintenance works.

The business started in 2011 when Elgan started out and has grown into a limited business in 2018, going from strength to strength. We have a variety of plant and vehicles to operate a variety of tasks and options for our customers, with the most recent purchase of our Predator stump grinder.

A local business. Trusted and reliable.

Tel: 07891310642

www.abbatreespecialist.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbatreespecialists

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/abbatreespecialists/

#DyfedPowysPolice #UKPolicing #PoliceMentalHealth #OverTheFallsPodcast #WelshPodcast #RealConversations

It’s our Christmas Special! In this festive episode, Dave, Med, and Dukes sit down for a relaxed, feel-good chat about all things Christmas. From classic Christmas films and favourite festive foods to funny nostalgic stories and reflections on the year gone by, this one’s packed with laughs and warmth.

We also look ahead to New Year’s resolutions, traditions, and what the next year might bring—all in the style of three mates chatting like they would over a coffee (or a mulled wine).

🎁 Highlights Include:

• Favourite Christmas films (and the debates they cause!)

  
  

  
  

• Christmas food essentials and festive indulgence

  
  

  
  

• Funny and nostalgic Christmas stories

  
  

  
  

• New Year’s resolutions and fresh starts

  
  

  
  

• Plenty of festive tangents and laughs

  
  

  
  

📌 Perfect listening for the run-up to Christmas—relaxed, funny, and full of festive cheer.

#ChristmasPodcast
#ChristmasSpecial
#OverTheFallsPodcast
#FestivePodcast
#UKPodcast
#WelshPodcast
#ChristmasFilms
#ChristmasFood
#NewYearsResolutions

In episode 68, we’re joined by Geraint Hughes from Hiwse Estate Agents—and former local councillor—for a brilliant, wide-ranging chat all about Aberystwyth, the community, local developments, and what makes the area so special.

We talk business, the town’s future, life as a councillor, The Conrah, memorable local stories, and—because it’s Geraint—plenty of laughs along the way!

This is a fun, insightful look at Aberystwyth, the people who shape it, and the passion behind the community.

🏙️ Highlights Include:

Life in Aberystwyth and local identity

Geraint’s time as a councillor

Community, development, and future hopes

Business, property… and The Conrah!

Big laughs and classic Geraint moments

#OverTheFallsPodcast
#Aberystwyth
#Ceredigion
#HiwseEstateAgents
#LocalCouncillor
#WelshPodcast
#AberystwythCommunity
#LocalBusiness
#UKPodcast
#RealConversations
#PodcastInterview
#AberystwythLife
#CommunityMatters
#WelshBusiness

In episode 67, we’re joined by Carwyn Thomas and Tom Kerton from Aberystwyth’s Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation. 🚒

We talk about what inspired them to join the fire service, some of the toughest and most memorable shouts they’ve attended, and how they balance life while being on call. They also share insights into their training, fundraising efforts, and the deep connection they have with the local community.

🔥 Highlights Include:

• Why Carwyn and Tom chose to become firefighters

  
  

  
  

• Real stories from the front line—tough calls and proud moments

  
  

  
  

• How firefighters manage family life and being on call

  
  

  
  

• The importance of teamwork, training, and community spirit

  
  

  
  

• Fundraising and supporting causes across Mid and West Wales

  
  

  
  

📌 A powerful look at the people who put themselves on the line to keep our communities safe.

This episode is sponsored by A1 Property in Aberystwyth.

www.a1propertyuk.co.uk

#OverTheFallsPodcast
#Firefighters
#FireAndRescue
#MidAndWestWalesFireService
#Aberystwyth
#EmergencyServices
#CommunityHeroes
#FirefighterStories
#OnCallFirefighters
#WelshPodcast
#UKPodcast
#PodcastInterview
#RealConversations
#FirstResponders
#BehindTheUniform