The Nod with MCN! S2Ep12: Nodding along with Jake Dixon

This week’s Nod Pod – which is the final episode of Series 2 (where did those 12 podatathons disappear to so fast?) – was recorded live at the British MotoGP at Silverstone, with none other than British Moto2 star, Jake Dixon. Thankfully, the guys grabbed Jake before the ‘racing incident’, so the episode is publishable, rather than just a string of interventions by the ‘beep machine’.   

• Listen to Episode 12 here

The Nod Podders grabbed Jake to delve deep into his backstory, how he got into racing, what the future is looking like, and how he approaches and manages his mental wellbeing in such a phenomenally high-pressured and volatile environment as top-flight racing – and how much the support of wife, Sarah, and all they’ve been through together helps him keep grounded.  

As you might expect from the combination of the Nod gang and Jake, there are a lot of laughs in the episode, but also a lot of soul-searching strength, too.  

Who are The Nod hosts?

Your hosts are three die-hard bikers with plenty of life stories and experiences to share.

Ben Bowers has been a Movember ambassador for more than 10 years and helped the charity establish their partnership with the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. He has also twice had to overcome testicular cancer. 

Charley Boorman is best known to bikers for the various Long Way series alongside best mate Ewan McGregor, his Dakar challenge and other great biking trips – and is also a testicular cancer survivor.  Anthony Partridge is probably best known for his work on Discovery’s Goblin Works Garage.

Previous episodes of season 2

Episode 1: Ant, Ben and Charley are joined by none other than the DGR Founder himself, Mark Hawwa. They dive into his bike history and the power of community to open conversations and save lives. It’s a strong start to season two!

Episode 2: The guys sit down with actor, musician and Ducati superfan Mark Sheppard, to chat about his life with bikes and how they’ve helped him over the years. Born in England, Sheppard moved to Dublin, Ireland in his teens and was in a bunch of cool bands in the 1980s – which culminated in him playing support on U2’s Joshua Tree tour. Then he went to Hollywood, ran some bars, and got into acting. He’s been in the X Files, twelve series of Supernatural, Battlestar Galactica, Firefly and Leverage – and has directed, too in a TV and film career that started more than 30 years ago.

Episode 3: The Nod collective of Bowers and Boorman (Partridge was missing in action at the time of recording) are joined by biking addict and well-known radio DJ, Dr Fox. More radio listeners tuned into Foxy than any other DJ at his peak, and his Pepsi Chart Show on Capital back in the 1990s was must-listen material for any pop fan.

Episode 4: Tune in and zone out in the company of Bowers, Boorman, Partridge and this week’s special guest, actor James Phelps. Best known for playing the mischievous Fred Weasley in the blockbuster Harry Potter film series, Phelps is a fairly new biker, having got the bug from briefly riding the now world-famous sidecar outfit on the film set, and then being convinced by the Nod hosts to get his licence while partaking in their fundraising paddleboarding epic down the Thames last year.

Episode 5: Get on your marks, get set, and GO listen to Iwan Thomas MBE as he joins the guys to chat bikes. His early inspiration for motorcycling was his biker father, who used to pop Iwan on the back of his Yamaha 250 to ride to Spurs games. The addiction bit hard, and Iwan started riding on the road from 16 years-old – and has owned a wild array of bikes over the years – from a brand-new Ducati 1098 to bonkers custom Harleys.

Episode 6: The Nod podders abducted ex-special forces turned TV star, Titch Cormack for a ride on a bevvy of Nortons, before sitting down for a proper natter about his fascinating life and biking history.

Episode 7: Presenters from The Driven Chat Podcast join The Nod squad for a bikes and cars podtastic mash-up.

Episode 8: The boys are joined by Skunk Anansie drummer Mark Richardson for a chat about bikes, addiction and recovery.

Episode 9: A Nod special recorded at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Episode 10: The guys grabbed some time with mountain biker-turned charity campaigner Niels Peter Jenson, who is probably best known for his prestigious mountain biking career which has seen him claim many titles and has taken him all over the world.

Episode 11: After a weekend commentating on the Malle Mille in less-than-desirable conditions, the Nod’s Ben Bowers and Ant This week’s Nod Pod was recorded live (although, as Ben points out, technically, they’re all recorded ‘live’ aren’t they?) at the Malle Mile event at Grimsthorpe Castle, with Malle’s Sam Barham hosting Ben, Charley and Ant on the mic in The Lost Club.

The Nod is proudly supported by the British Motorcycle Insurance Community (#BMIC) a new digital insurance platform for riders and manufacturers that makes insurance work for the community. Visit their website at thebmic.co.uk to learn how you and your rider community can benefit with the BMIC. #jointheride #bikerscommunity  

---

Listen to season 1 of The Nod with MCN here

• Episode one Ant, Ben and Charley introduce themselves and the podcast – discussing what they’ve been up to and outlining the series.
• Episode two 1996 Formula One world champion Damon Hill joins the boys in the studio to discuss bikes, sporting success and tackling grief.
• Episode three Six-time British Superbike champion Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne enters the studio to chat BSB wins, injury recovery and much more.
• Episode four World famous street artist D*Face drops by to talk about his love affair with two wheels and the freedom it gave him as he navigated his path to artistic success.
• Episode five British watch making pioneer Nick English speaks to the boys about his journey to success as a co-founder of Bremont watches.
• Episode six TV presenter Grace Webb of Grace’s Amazing Machines talks about her rise to the top and women in the motorcycle industry.
• Episode seven Callum Pryce, founder of DeBolex custom motorcycle house talks through the challenges of making it in his industry, experimenting with project bikes and the freedom of two wheels.
• Episode eight Double Daytona 200 winner, Brandon Paasch meets the guys at Triumph HQ to discuss the journey to becoming a professional motorcycle racer and the mental struggles it can sometimes bring.
• Episode nine Co-Founder of luxury clothing company Malle London, Robert Nightingale, pops in to discuss his passion for bikes and the adventures they bring you.
• Episode ten George Blagden, star of hit show Vikings, and one careful owner of a Triumh Bonneville, pops into the studio to chat witht he boys about the film industry, his bike history, and more…