DeckTales Podcast

Ep48: Martin Barmby AKA BarneyIn this episode of Deck Tales, I talk to Barney — a former Royal Navy submariner with 22 years of service — to explore life beneath the waves and the mindset forged by submarines. From growing up immersed in military history to serving on diesel-electric and nuclear boats, Barney shares candid, often hilarious, and deeply human stories about leadership, resilience, and responsibility.The conversation dives into everything from nicknames and Navy culture to the brutal realities of submarine life: limited showers, relentless watchkeeping, and the unbreakable bond between crewmates. Now in civilian life working at a power station, Barney reflects on how submarine values — accountability, teamwork, and never walking past a problem — still shape how he lives and works today.⚓ Key TakeawaysSubmarine service builds extreme accountability — mistakes aren’t personal, they’re fatal.Leadership isn’t rank, it’s responsibility — especially when lives depend on you.Nicknames, banter, and shared hardship create family, not just colleagues.You can take the submariner out of the Navy, but not the Navy out of the submariner.Resilience comes from service, purpose, and helping others — even after uniform life ends.#royalnavy #submarine #electricianlife #submariner

Ep47: Belencia Wallace - Full Time Cruise Content CreatorIn this episode of Deck Tales, Sammy Catling chats with Belencia — better known as Ladybug Travel — a full-time content creator who has spent the past eight months living entirely on cruise ships. Broadcasting live from various corners of a Royal Caribbean ship (including a chapel for peace and quiet), Belencia shares what it’s really like to be a “constant cruiser,” hopping between nearly 30 ships while building a social media career at sea.From managing Wi-Fi, mail, and logistics to navigating ports independently, saving money through loyalty status, and balancing nonstop travel with content creation, Valencia offers a behind-the-scenes look at a lifestyle that sounds glamorous—but requires serious planning and stamina. Along the way, she reflects on favorite destinations, least-favorite ports, cultural lessons learned abroad, and how going all-in on herself has already paid off with viral growth and major media features.Key TakeawaysLiving full-time on cruise ships is possible—but only with extreme organization and planningCruise loyalty status can dramatically reduce daily living costs (Wi-Fi, laundry, drinks)Being a digital nomad doesn’t mean slowing down—burnout is real, even in paradiseIndependent travel in port offers deeper cultural experiences and major cost savingsBetting on yourself can pay off, but momentum brings new challenges and overwhelmCruise ships can be a powerful platform for storytelling, connection, and global reach00:00 – She Lives on Cruise ShipsHow Belencia ended up living full-time at sea06:12 – How This Lifestyle Even StartedThe moment cruising turned into a life choice13:45 – What Full-Time Cruise Life Is Really LikeDaily routines, cabins, food, and onboard reality20:58 – How She Affords Living at SeaCosts, budgeting, and whether this is cheaper than rent28:31 – The Biggest Myths About Cruise LifeWhat people get completely wrong about living on ships35:44 – The Hardest Parts of Living on Cruise ShipsLoneliness, logistics, and things no one talks about42:57 – Friendships, Dating & Social Life at SeaWhat relationships look like when you never stay still50:03 – Health, Safety & Long-Term SustainabilityBurnout, routines, and how long this lifestyle can last56:41 – Is This Lifestyle Actually Worth It?Trade-offs, regrets, and unexpected rewards01:03:28 – Advice for Anyone Who Wants to Do ThisWhat to know before trying full-time cruising01:08:20 – Final Thoughts & What’s NextReflections on freedom, travel, and what comes afterTo 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

Ep46: Richard Jones - Naval Engineer and AuthorToday I'm speaking with Richard Jones — Royal Navy weapons engineer by day and one of Britain’s most prolific shipwreck and disaster historians by night. Richard shares how a lifelong fascination with maritime disasters turned into nearly three decades of research, 27+ published books, and multiple memorial campaigns honouring forgotten tragedies.The conversation dives into shipwrecks, air disasters, historical myths, and the emotional weight of researching real loss. Richard explains why he focuses on overlooked stories, how social media transformed historical research, and why he believes history belongs to everyone — not locked away in private archives. From Costa Concordia to lost wartime ships, this episode explores the thin line between human error, hubris, and remembrance.Key TakeawaysHistory isn’t owned — it’s shared. Richard’s mission is to preserve forgotten disasters before their stories disappear forever.Research is part detective work. Separating myth from fact often takes years of interviews, archives, and firsthand accounts.Modern tech changed everything. Social media now connects historians directly with survivors, families, and rare evidence.Memorials matter. For families, plaques and books can provide long-overdue closure and public recognition.Human error repeats itself. From Titanic to Titan, lessons at sea are often ignored — with tragic results.Respect over sensationalism. Some truths don’t need to be published to honor the people involved.https://shipwreckdata.wixsite.com/richard-m-joneshttps://bsky.app/profile/wreckmasterjay.bsky.socialhttps://disasters-shipwrecks.blogspot.com⏱️ YouTube Chapters (01:08:27)00:00 – Welcome Aboard Deck TalesSetting the scene: life at sea, disasters, and forgotten stories04:12 – From Navy Engineer to Shipwreck HistorianHow Richard Jones balances classified work with disaster research09:35 – Why Most Tragedies Are ForgottenMedia bias, death tolls, and how history chooses what survives15:48 – Shipwreck Myths vs RealitySeparating fact from fiction in maritime disasters21:32 – The Human Cost of Disaster ResearchThe unseen emotional toll of studying real loss28:10 – When Research Brings Families ClosureMemorials, survivors, and why remembrance matters35:04 – Titanic, Titan & Repeating MistakesWhy maritime disasters keep happening — again and again41:22 – The Survivors Who Defied the OddsRafts, wartime sinkings, and impossible survival stories48:05 – The Worst Captains in HistoryEgo, negligence, and decisions that doomed thousands54:18 – The Biggest Shipwreck Conspiracies DebunkedThe Titanic switch theory and other myths destroyed01:01:10 – Beyond Titanic: Why These Stories MatterLegacy, memory, and preserving history before it’s lost#piratelegend #seadogs #piracy #shipstories 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

Ep45: Zamira Chevrestt - Volunteer Co-ordinator for In The Same BoatToday I'm joined by Zamira, a volunteer coordinator and sustainability ambassador for the Norwegian environmental NGO In The Same Boat. Zamira shares what it’s really like cleaning marine litter along some of the most remote and unforgiving coastlines in the Arctic and Northern Europe — from freezing North Sea crossings to hauling tons of abandoned fishing gear off rocky beaches.The conversation dives into how the NGO operates its fleet of sailboats, trains volunteers with little to no sailing experience, and balances hands-on cleanup with education, data collection, and systemic change. Zamira also opens up about the emotional highs and lows of life at sea, burnout in the NGO world, and why staying hopeful — and human — is essential when tackling an overwhelming global problem.🌊 Key TakeawaysThe Arctic is heavily polluted — even the most remote coastlines are clogged with marine litter, especially from fishing industries.Cleaning is only part of the solution — education, data tracking, and collaboration with industries and governments are critical for long-term impact.Volunteers don’t need sailing experience — just resilience, teamwork, and a willingness to get uncomfortable.Life at sea is intense — physically demanding, emotionally charged, and deeply bonding.Burnout is real in environmental work — stepping back, finding joy, and focusing on small wins keeps people going.Individual actions still matter — change spreads person to person, habit to habit.📌 Chapters (01:07:57)01:38 – Meet Zamira & “In The Same Boat”Cleaning the Arctic, sailing north, and teaching kids why the ocean isn’t a bin04:10 – Volunteering at Sea: Who Can Join & What It’s Really LikeNo sailing experience, extreme conditions, and physical demands06:02 – Crossing the North Sea & Surviving Rough WatersSeasickness, storms, fear, dolphins, and why sailors keep coming back09:50 – How an Arctic Cleanup NGO Actually WorksFunding struggles, boats, tech, volunteers, and scaling impact12:40 – First Cleanup Shock: “I’d Never Seen This Much Trash”The myth of “clean” Norway and what shows up on remote beaches16:25 – A Day in the Life of a Marine Cleanup Crew12-hour days, midnight sun cleanups, weather chaos, and logistics20:35 – One Million+ KG of Trash & Tracking the DataGPS mapping, fishing nets, hotspots, and working with industry28:15 – Burnout, Boat Life & Being ‘In the Same Boat’Mental health, friendships, drama, romance, and volunteer reality35:35 – Plastic, Wildlife & The Stats That HurtSeabirds, whales, microplastics, and why this is urgent41:00 – Schools, Hope & Why the Next Generation MattersTeaching kids, community impact, staying hopeful, and what you can do52:30 – Boat Life Fun: Initiations, Food Fails & Reality TV EnergyGhost pepper shots, porridge crimes, and why this should be a show01:01:30 – Final Reflections: Why This Work Is Worth ItSmall wins, real change, and not giving up on the oceanTo 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:Zamira Chevrestthttps://www.inthesameboat.eco

Ep43: Sara Bisset - Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operatorIn this episode of Deck Tales, I'm chatting with Sara Bisset, a Scotland-based seafarer who’s spent the last decade working offshore as a Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) and Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) operator—basically, someone paid to protect whales and dolphins from noisy marine construction and exploration work. Sara breaks down how mitigation works during operations like seismic surveys, wind farm piling, and even disposal of unexploded WWII ordnance, and explains what happens when marine life enters an exclusion zone (spoiler: everything can stop, and it can cost a fortune). Beyond the job, Sara shares the reality of freelance life at sea—project-to-project contracts, chasing agencies, and the strange feeling of having long stretches of freedom while everyone else works 9–5. She also dives into memorable wildlife encounters, like spotting an elusive beaked whale species, and living through near-constant humpback sightings off Gabon… right after forgetting her camera charger.Key takeawaysWhat MMOs & PAM operators actually do: They visually and acoustically monitor for marine mammals during noisy offshore operations and can trigger delays/shutdowns depending on rules and location. Big misconception: It’s not “watching whales for fun”—it’s compliance, mitigation, and high-stakes decision-making tied to permits, law, and massive costs. The lifestyle is ultra-flexible… and oddly lonely: Freelancing means feast-or-famine contracts, lots of admin between jobs, and time off that doesn’t always sync with friends’ lives. Best moments at sea are unforgettable: Rare beaked whale encounters and endless humpback sightings show why people get “itchy feet” to return offshore. The industry is shifting: More wind farm work is replacing older oil & gas reliance, and remote monitoring tech (and AI) is slowly reshaping the job.

Ep42: Rich Napolitano - Shipwrecks & Seadogs Podcast HostIn this episode of Deck Tales, we welcome maritime storyteller and podcaster Richard, creator of Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs.From Florida’s stormy skies to centuries-old shipwrecks, Richard shares how a lifelong love of history evolved into a full-time podcast dedicated to maritime disasters, sea legends, and the people caught in between.The conversation dives deep into what makes great nautical storytelling: meticulous research, narrative immersion, and respect for historical accuracy. Richard unpacks some of his most gripping stories — including the horrific mutiny and massacre following the wreck of the Batavia, and the rise and disappearance of legendary pirate Henry Every. Along the way, we explore the realities of piracy, the evolution of maritime law, and how history, music, and routine help sustain a creative life at sea.Key TakeawaysMaritime history is about people, not just shipwrecks — power, greed, survival, and human choices drive every story.Accuracy comes first: multiple primary sources, official reports, and firsthand accounts are essential to responsible storytelling.The Batavia stands out as one of history’s most disturbing shipwreck stories, blending mutiny, ideology, and mass murder.Henry Every’s raid helped bring the Golden Age of Piracy to an end and reshaped global attitudes toward pirates.Creative sustainability matters — routine, music, and structure help avoid burnout when producing long-form narrative content.You don’t need to be a professional sailor to tell sea stories — curiosity and rigor go a long way.https://www.shipwrecksandseadogs.comHopefully 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!#seadogs #shipwrecks #podcastersunite #shipstoriesTo 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:Lucy Southernon @CruisingAsCrewTom Hunt @teghuntDan Smith https://www.elephantmedia.co

Ep41: Lucy Southerton - Former Crew, Now Cruise Content CreatorIn this episode, we sit down with Lucy, a former cruise ship crew member turned cruise vlogger, who spent nearly a decade working across multiple cruise lines—from spa therapist to retail and brand ambassador—before transitioning to life on land and content creation at sea. Lucy shares the realities of ship life behind the scenes, the culture shock of leaving a highly structured environment, and how her insider perspective now shapes her honest cruise reviews. From awkward guest encounters and strict ship rules to pandemic chaos, celebrity sightings, and viral cruise controversies, this episode offers an unfiltered look at the highs, lows, and lessons of life at sea.Key TakeawaysLife on cruise ships is intense, structured, and rewarding—but not sustainable forever for everyone.Leaving ship life can feel like culture shock, similar to leaving other highly regimented careers.Cruise lines vary hugely in culture, freedom, and attitudes toward social media.Behind-the-scenes crew experiences are often far tougher than what passengers see.Honest cruise content matters—even when companies don’t like the feedback.You can turn niche, insider experience into a successful and fulfilling second career.Hopefully 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:Lucy Southernon  @CruisingAsCrew Tom Hunt  @teghunt Dan Smith https://www.elephantmedia.co

#40 We round out the end of season 2 with another star from the world of cruise content creation, Mr Gary Bembridge.At the time of recording Gary has been on 124 cruises around the globe, and he has documented pretty much all of them.His mission is to help make it easier for others to book their cruises, by shining an impartial light on what the different lines offer, and objectively weighing up all the pros and cons.I learned all about his upbringing, his early career, how it set him up to succeed, and more!Hopefully 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!I'm gonna take a break from posting for a while as I need to record and edit with a batch of new guests for the next series, and if you or someone you know would like to be a guest on the show, please don't hesitate to get in touch.I hope it's nothing but smooth sailing for you all out there.Ciao for nowSam -x-Recorded 19th June 2025