DeckTales Podcast

Ep59: Paul ThorntonToday I flipped the script on fellow podcaster Paul Thornton—lifelong cruise enthusiast, author of The Joy of Cruising book series, and host of The Joy of Cruising Podcast.Paul shares his unconventional journey from military psychiatric work to corporate finance, entrepreneurship in the video rental boom, and eventually academia—before finding his true passion in cruising and storytelling. A transformative 2018 family cruise sparked his writing career, which evolved into a podcast where each episode captures unique, human stories from the world of cruising.The conversation dives into the realities of cruise culture from a passenger’s lens, the power of storytelling, and the emotional highs (and occasional fears) of life at sea. From near-misses with a missing grandson to unforgettable themed cruises, Paul brings decades of experience—and perspective—to the mic.🔑 Key TakeawaysPassion evolves over timePaul’s career path proves it’s never too late to pivot toward what you truly love.Storytelling is the heart of cruisingWhether through books or podcasts, compelling human experiences drive engagement.Cruising is more than a vacationFor enthusiasts, it’s a lifestyle, community, and even an identity.Themed cruises create unmatched experiencesShared passions (music, culture, etc.) elevate connection and enjoyment onboard.Adversity can spark creativityThe pandemic disrupted Paul’s work—but ultimately led to deeper storytelling and new formats.There’s an untold side of cruise lifeBehind the glamour lies a complex crew experience that rarely gets fully explored.🎬Chapters00:00 – The Night Everything Changed at Sea…02:18 – Meet Paul Thornton: From Military to Cruise Expert06:45 – His Unexpected Journey Into Academia & Becoming a Doctor11:32 – Corporate Success, Video Rentals & Reinventing His Career16:10 – The Cruise That Sparked Everything (2018 Turning Point)21:05 – Why Cruising Became an Obsession26:40 – The Dark Side of Cruise Ships (What People Don’t See)32:15 – 2:30AM… His Grandson Went Missing 😳38:50 – The Scariest Moments & What Happened Next45:20 – Inside Themed Cruises (Soul Train, Niche Experiences & More)52:10 – COVID, Cancelled Cruises & Reinventing Through Podcasting01:00:05 – Lessons From 40+ Cruises (What You NEED to Know)01:08:30 – Final Thoughts: Why Cruise Stories MatterThe Joy of Cruising PodcastHopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244

Ep58: Tineke ZoetIn this episode of Deck Tales, we are joined by maritime workplace coach Tineke Zoet, whose unconventional journey—from Dutch Merchant Navy engineer to human factors specialist and coach—offers a powerful lens on life at sea.Tineke shares how her early struggles with toxic leadership, burnout, and feeling like an outsider shaped her mission to improve psychological safety in the maritime industry. Drawing on both lived experience and accident analysis research, she unpacks the hidden human factors behind incidents at sea—fatigue, poor communication, and unsafe cultures—arguing that technology has advanced faster than the people using it.The conversation explores the realities of isolation, identity, and cultural tension onboard, as well as the evolving challenges brought by generational shifts and social media. Ultimately, Tineke makes a compelling case: the future of safe and effective shipping depends not just on technical skill, but on human-centered leadership, accountability, and connection.Tineke Zoet – Maritime Workplace Coach⚓ Key TakeawaysHuman factors drive most incidents80–90% of maritime accidents trace back to human elements—fatigue, miscommunication, or deeper systemic issues—not just surface-level errors.Fatigue and loneliness are chronic issuesLong rotations, isolation, and high workloads continue to strain mental health at sea.Technology ≠ solutionAutomation has reduced crew sizes and increased pressure, often worsening communication and workload instead of easing it.Psychological safety is critical—but overlookedCrew must feel safe to speak up regardless of rank; without this, risk increases dramatically.Leadership culture needs a shift“Soft skills” like empathy and communication are still undervalued, yet they’re essential for safety and performance.Burnout builds (gradually)It often starts mentally (loss of enjoyment, stress) before showing up physically (fatigue, migraines, shutdown).Personal accountability is transformativeTineke’s turning point came from shifting out of a victim mindset and recognizing patterns in her own behavior.Maritime life is misunderstood ashoreTime off is often seen as “holiday,” masking the intensity and sacrifice of life onboard.Generational and cultural clashes are risingDifferences in values, communication styles, and expectations are creating new tensions at sea.🎬Chapters00:00 – Welcome Aboard: Life at Sea Unfiltered02:15 – From Netherlands to Ships: Tineke’s Story06:10 – Why She Chose Life at Sea (And Almost Didn’t)10:25 – The Reality of Working Onboard Ships15:40 – Why Seafarers Feel Misunderstood Ashore21:05 – The Hidden Struggles Between Contracts27:30 – Toxic Workplaces: My Breaking Point34:50 – The Turning Point: From Victim to Accountability41:20 – Why People Clash at Sea (Gen Z vs Old Crew)48:10 – Cultural Differences Onboard Ships Explained55:45 – Loneliness & Isolation at Sea (Real Talk)01:02:30 – Burnout Signs You Should NEVER Ignore01:09:15 – The Truth About Maritime Mental Health01:16:40 – 90% of Accidents Are Human Error… Why?01:23:05 – Fatigue, Mistakes & Near Disasters at Sea01:29:20 – Bullying, Banter or Harassment? Where’s the Line01:35:10 – Leadership Failures That Put Crews at Risk01:41:00 – Why Technology Is Making Things Worse01:46:30 – What Needs to Change in the Maritime Industry01:51:30 – Final Thoughts: The Future of Life at SeaHopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktales

Please make sure to like and subscribe to help support the channel. Cheers!Ep 57: Captain Samarth Sinha AKA Captain SamsIn this episode, Captain Sams—36-year merchant navy veteran—shares gripping, funny, and deeply insightful stories from life at sea. From navigating war-zone tensions in the Suez Canal to surviving hurricane-force storms with failing steering, Samarth reveals what it really takes to command massive cargo ships under pressure.We explore the evolution of maritime safety, the hidden dangers of overreliance on technology, and the reality of piracy, shipboard superstition, and isolation. Samarth also reflects on leadership, decision-making, and why sailors are far more skilled and adaptable than they often realise.Key TakeawaysCalm under pressure is everythingYou can’t change what’s already happened—focus only on what’s next.Small ambiguities lead to big disastersEvery major incident starts with something small that gets ignored.Technology is a double-edged swordIt helps—but overreliance without understanding can be dangerous.Life at sea builds elite skillsLeadership, problem-solving, resilience, and adaptability are second nature to sailors.The job has changed dramaticallyFrom “hold the rope and go” to strict safety protocols and paperwork.Not all danger is dramaticFrom piracy to ghost stories, the mental and psychological side of sea life is just as real.Sailors are more versatile than they thinkTheir skillset translates powerfully into almost any industry.🎬 Chapters00:00 – The Moment Everything Went Wrong at Sea02:18 – Meet Captain Sams (36 Years at Sea)05:42 – How Do You Control a 66,000-Ton Ship?09:15 – Life at Sea Before GPS (Hard to Believe)14:03 – “Just Hold the Rope” – Old-School Sailing18:27 – The Most Dangerous Part of the Job23:11 – When Technology Fails You at Sea28:36 – The Day We Lost Steering in a Storm34:50 – Fighting a Hurricane With No Control41:22 – How Close We Came to Disaster47:08 – The #1 Mistake That Causes Accidents52:44 – Pirates Took My Friend Hostage (Real Story)59:30 – What Piracy Is Actually Like Today01:05:12 – The Scariest Thing at Sea (Not Storms)01:12:08 – Ghost Stories Sailors Don’t Talk About01:20:14 – Why Sailors Are More Skilled Than You Think01:27:36 – Final Lessons From 36 Years at SeaHopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244

Ep56: Nelson AspenToday I’m joined by Nelson Aspen—an entertainment reporter turned author and Titanic expert—about his lifelong fascination with maritime history, especially the Titanic. Nelson shares how his career evolved from Hollywood journalism to writing and podcasting, culminating in his successful Titanic Talk podcast and novel Kindred Spirits.The conversation explores why the Titanic continues to captivate global audiences, blending history, myth, and personal storytelling. Nelson discusses lesser-known perspectives, including LGBTQ+ narratives, survivor trauma, and overlooked historical accounts. He also reflects on modern parallels—like the Titan submersible disaster—highlighting how human hubris and risk-taking remain constant themes.Alongside Titanic insights, Nelson shares anecdotes from his entertainment career, cruise ship performances, and unique experiences at sea, offering a blend of humour, history, and personal reflection.Enjoy!Nelson Aspen - Entertainment Reporter�� Key Takeaways1. Titanic’s Enduring Fascination· The Titanic remains culturally powerful because it blends tragedy, human drama, and myth.· It has evolved from a disaster into a romanticized global story.2. History Repeats Itself· The same traits—hubris, overconfidence, and profit over safety—link the Titanic disaster to modern incidents like the Titan implosion.3. Untold Stories Matter· Many perspectives (e.g., LGBTQ+ passengers, Chinese survivors, class disparities) have historically been ignored.· There is still significant room for new narratives within well-known events.4. Survival Isn’t the End of the Story· Survivors often faced lifelong trauma, guilt, and hardship—challenging the “happy ending” assumption.5. Class System Extended Beyond Death· Even in recovery efforts, first-class passengers were prioritized over third-class victims.6. Technology is Changing Historical Exploration· Advances like VR and AI allow immersive experiences of Titanic without risking lives or disturbing a grave site.7. Passion Can Become a Career· Nelson turned a childhood obsession into books, speaking gigs, and a successful podcast—showing the value of leaning into niche interests.8. Cruise Culture: Then vs Now· Early ocean liners were about transport, not leisure.· Modern cruising ranges from luxury heritage experiences to entertainment-focused “floating resorts.”⏱️Chapters00:00 – Titanic Secrets & Modern Disasters (Hook)02:15 – Meet Nelson Aspen: From Hollywood to Titanic Expert06:00 – Breaking into TV & Celebrity Interviews10:30 – Why Podcasts Beat Traditional TV14:45 – Titanic Obsession: How It Became a Career19:30 – Inside the Titanic Podcast Boom (Top Ranked Show)24:10 – Cruise Ship Life: Performer vs Guest Experience29:00 – Luxury Cruises vs Party Ships Explained34:20 – Writing a Titanic Novel (Hidden LGBTQ+ Stories)40:10 – The Dark Truth About Titanic Survivors46:30 – Untold Stories: Class System & Bodies Recovered52:40 – Shocking Titanic Facts You Didn’t Know59:00 – The Titan Sub Disaster & Lessons Not Learned01:05:30 – Cruise Industry Then vs Now (Ocean Liners Explained)01:12:00 – Wild Cruise Stories & Behind-the-Scenes Moments01:20:15 – Titanic Legacy: Why We’re Still ObsessedHopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244

Please make sure to like and subscribe to help support the channel. Cheers!This episode of Deck Tales features veteran mariner Eric Takakjian, who reflects on nearly 50 years at sea across an extraordinary range of vessels—from Coast Guard rescue boats to pioneering deepwater drill-ships and ocean-going tugboats.Eric recounts high-risk, real-world experiences including near capsizes, extreme weather navigation, and large-scale towing operations. He shares insights into working on the world’s first dynamically positioned drillship, where crews broke records drilling in unprecedented ocean depths using early positioning technology.The conversation also explores his Coast Guard years, including rescue missions during the 1980 Cuban exodus, and his progression from entry-level seaman to captain without formal academy training. Throughout, Eric emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, mentorship, and safety culture in maritime work. https://questmarineservices.com/🔑 Key Takeaways1. Experience Over Formal TrainingEric rose from apprentice to captain by learning on the job.Real-world exposure and mentorship were critical to his development. 2. Innovation at SeaWorked on the first dynamically positioned drillship, holding position over deep wells without anchors.Early tech was massive and experimental, but groundbreaking. 3. Risk Is Constant—Preparation Is EverythingMaritime work involves frequent danger: capsizes, fires, extreme weather.Strong training in damage control and firefighting is essential. 4. Leadership Means ResponsibilityCaptains must resist pressure to take unsafe actions.Safety decisions directly impact crew lives. 5. The Human Side of Maritime LifeStories reveal camaraderie, humor, and chaos (especially during crew changes).Long careers are built not just on skill, but relationships and shared experience. 6. Mentorship LegacyOne of Eric’s proudest achievements is training crew who became captains and pilots.Passing on knowledge is as important as acquiring it.⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – “We Should’ve Sunk…” (Insane Tugboat Story)02:05 – Meet the Captain: 50 Years at Sea05:10 – Every Ship Imaginable (From Coast Guard to Drillships)08:20 – The World’s First Deepwater Drillship Explained12:45 – Drilling 1.5 Miles Deep (Breaking World Records)17:30 – Life Offshore: Crew Chaos & Wild Stories22:10 – How He Became a Captain (No Academy Route)27:00 – The Most Dangerous Waters in the World32:15 – Extreme Rescue Missions (50ft Waves & Survival)37:40 – The 1980 Cuban Exodus: Real Rescue Operations43:20 – What It’s Really Like Saving Lives at Sea49:10 – Tugboats Explained (Power, Precision & Risk)55:00 – Towing 75,000 Tons (One Mistake = Disaster)01:00:30 – The #1 Rule: When to Say NO at Sea01:06:45 – Close Calls, Death & Hard Lessons01:13:30 – Mentorship & Legacy (Training Future Captains)01:20:30 – Final Thoughts: The Brutal Truth About Life at SeaHopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244Special Thanks To:Tom Hunt @teghuntDan Smith https://www.elephantmedia.co

Ep54:Moss HillsThis episode of Deck Tales follows Moss Hills, a self-taught musician turned cruise director, whose career at sea includes surviving not one—but two—major maritime disasters.The story centers on the sinking of the Oceanos, where Moss and the entertainment team were thrust into leadership after the ship lost power during a storm and senior officers abandoned their posts. With no communication, training, or guidance, they improvised an evacuation—organizing passengers, loading lifeboats in dangerous conditions, and ultimately coordinating a rescue via radio from the empty bridge. Despite the chaos, all passengers survived, thanks largely to the initiative of non-crew personnel like Moss and his colleagues. The episode then shifts to Moss’s experience aboard the Achille Lauro, a ship already infamous for a past hijacking. During his time onboard, a fire broke out at sea, leading to another emergency evacuation. Unlike the Oceanos, the crew maintained command and communication, but the situation escalated quickly as the fire spread. Moss again found himself in the middle of the crisis—helping passengers evacuate, rescuing individuals from the water, and ultimately escaping as the ship burned and sank in the distance. The episode closes with reflection on resilience, the rarity of such disasters, and how these experiences shaped Moss’s approach to safety and leadership in his later career.Key TakeawaysLeadership can emerge from anywhereWhen the Oceanos crew failed to act, untrained entertainers stepped up and effectively ran the evacuation.Communication is critical in crisisThe absence of announcements on the Oceanos caused confusion, while clear communication on the Achille Lauro improved control despite the danger.Training vs. instinctMoss had no formal emergency training, yet quick thinking and teamwork saved lives—highlighting the importance of adaptability.Maritime disasters are rare—but unforgivingBoth incidents reinforce how unusual such events are, yet how rapidly they escalate when they occur.Human behavior under pressure varies widelyFrom panic and denial to courage and humor, the episode captures a full spectrum of reactions in life-threatening situations.Experience reshapes perspective, not fearDespite surviving two disasters, Moss continued his career at sea, later emphasizing safety and preparedness as a cruise director.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – The Night Everything Changed 04:12 – A Routine Voyage Turns Strange 08:35 – First Signs of Trouble at Sea 12:48 – The Crew Realises Something Is Wrong 17:10 – Panic Spreads Across the Ship 21:22 – A Critical Mayday Call 25:40 – Passengers Rush for Answers 30:05 – The Shocking Truth About the Situation 34:18 – Chaos on Deck as Conditions Worsen 38:50 – The Fight to Keep Everyone Calm 43:12 – A Desperate Plan Is Formed 47:40 – The Ship Begins to Fail 52:05 – A Race Against Time 56:30 – The Turning Point No One Expected 1:01:15 – A Heroic Effort to Save Lives 1:06:40 – The Final Push for Survival 1:12:05 – Rescue Efforts Intensify 1:17:50 – The Moment Hope Returns 1:23:10 – Aftermath: What Really Happened NextHopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244Special Thanks To:Tom Hunt @teghuntDan Smith https://www.elephantmedia.co