Our World This Week
Our World This Week is a mostly weekly podcast from Fran and Rich, creators of the Floating Our Boat YouTube channel. They have been cruising the canals and rivers of Britain aboard their narrowboat Laura Maisie for eight years. In this podcast, they talk honestly about life afloat, the everyday moments that shape their weeks, and the thoughts that surface when you choose a life less ordinary. More personal and candid than their videos, it offers a quieter window into their lives with reflections, stories, and occasional laughs.
Episodes
Back to Reality: Allotment Bounties, We're Restless & Finding Our Next Adventure
Life after the boat show brings a mix of restlessness and productivity. We’re navigating the "slow living" transition, balancing allotment harvests, and pondering the reality of being cut off from transport. From the ancient history of drovers' paths to a minor banking drama, at the local Aldi, this week is all about finding the rhythm in a life that’s forever changing. We also share our latest se
The Case of the Missing Biscuits and "Jim" the Tomato Plant
In this week's episode, we finally get the microphones working (on the fifth attempt!) to bring you a dispatch from our favorite "wild mooring." We dive into the quiet magic of 4:00 AM sunrises and the curiosity of "two sleeps," while checking in on the allotment—including the miraculous survival of our volunteer tomato, Jim.Thanks for listening. You can find more info here:YouTubeWebsite Instagra
De-teching, Jumble Sales, and the Five-Year Itch
In this episode, we dive into the highs and lows of a tech-induced sleepless night and the surprising joy of "de-teching." From the challenges of mastering a vintage-style digital audio player (don't call it an iPod!) to the nostalgic thrill of finding a wooden Spear & Jackson saw for a pound at the village jumble sale, we explore the balance between modern gadgets and old-school simplicity.We
Early Morning Cranes, A Good Cry, and a Bit of a Moan
A slightly different one this week…We wake to the eerie, beautiful call of cranes just beyond the boat — a rare sight in the UK and something that still stops us in our tracks. From misty mornings and ancient landscapes to swallows returning and a surprise bittern sighting, it’s been a proper nature-filled week.But it’s not just about wildlife. We talk about the quiet kindness of people — stranger
Rich and His GIBBON Moon and Dog Biscuits in the Coffee!
This week’s podcast starts with one of those days, where nothing quite goes to plan.From there, we wander through full moons and “senior moments”, Easter traditions past and present, and life as always on the canal — from houseplants and allotment growing to supermarket deliveries in the middle of nowhere.We chat about everything from moon phases and planting by nature, to the origins of Easter, c
Boat Life, The Hunger Gap & A Year of Challenges Ahead
Spring has arrived on the canal, bringing longer days, restless nights, and plenty of change.This week we chat about sleep struggles, meditation mishaps, and the realities of getting older. Back on the allotment, there’s a new challenge, growing everything from seed while we work towards being more self-sufficient.We also share signs of the season—chiff chaffs, ducklings, and the “hunger gap”—plus
From Disco Nights to Skylark Flights
This week finds us being thoroughly rocked by wild March winds sweeping up the Severn estuary.Inside the boat, the galley has turned into a floating garden centre with seed trays, grow lights and hopeful young plants everywhere — signs that allotment season is gathering pace. Join us for a reflective catch-up about spring rhythms, boat life realities, and the small things that continue to make us
Small Victories: A £23 Dentist and the First Signs of Spring
This week we’re catching up on the small things that have filled our days recently.Fran has finally faced the dentist — expecting the worst and discovering it wasn’t nearly as bad as feared. Meanwhile the first real hints of spring are appearing around us: blossom on the trees, birds getting lively and the allotment beginning to wake up.We’ve been busy sowing seeds, experimenting with grow lights
An End of an Era? Our Big Canal Decision
After eight years of cruising, we’ve made a big decision.A letter from the Canal and River Trust pushed us to rethink how we live aboard. We’ve taken on a mooring on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal — not to settle permanently, but to slow down and protect the life we’re building with our allotment and creative work.We talk rain, blossom, spinning, sheds, funding for the canals, and finding co
Noises in the Night & Reasons We Didn’t Choose Normal
This week was meant to be simple. It wasn’t.Noises in the night, allotment chaos and conversations about why a “normal” life never really suited us. This episode wanders through shed talk, dogs aboard, nightime storms and the joy of choosing freedom — with a laugh never far behind.Thanks for listening. You can find more info here:YouTubeWebsite InstagramFacebookLinktreeYou can support our efforts
Naked Ladies and Gaffer Tape
What does The Smiths mean to Rich and why are we talking about naked ladies and Gaffer Tape? What are we planning to do in our shd and why can't Fran swallow bancmange? It's all revealed in this podcast.Thanks for listening. You can find more info here:YouTubeWebsite InstagramFacebookLinktreeYou can support our efforts here:Buy Me A CoffeePatreonPlease follow/subscribe to our podcast and it would
Ultimate Journeys and Letting Go of Stuff
In this episode we talk about our ultimate dream journeys — the physical ones and the inner ones that change how we live. Rich explores the idea of going minimalist with tech: what would we really keep if we stripped everything back to essentials?Meanwhile, Fran takes us back to her childhood, reminiscing about wandering around London alone at just ten years old.You cand send us an email to: info@
Before the Year Closes. Our Kind of Christmas
Possibly our last podcast of 2025. We chat about our Christmas preparations, how we actually spend the day itself, and what really matters to us at this time of year.Thanks for listening. You can find more info here:YouTubeWebsite InstagramFacebookLinktreeYou can support our efforts here:Buy Me A CoffeePatreonPlease follow/subscribe to our podcast and it would be great if you could leave a review.
The Weaver, The Rant, and The Really Grumpy Dog
In this episode we talk of the gentle start to the day and how it set the tone for the morning. Rich shares his thoughts (and frustrations) about the greenwashing surrounding solar farms, while Fran catches us up on a very busy week of weaving ahead of an upcoming Christmas fair.We also share a few podcasts we’ve been enjoying recently, and of course, Archie the spaniel makes an appearance in his
We're In a Bit of a Pickle
We start with a particularly sharp jar of pickled onions and quickly move into reminiscing about our childhood food traditions and the performance of Sunday Tea and memorable family dishes. We talk about World Television Day and the move from three fixed channels to democratized, on-demand viewing. We also check in on the allotment after the season's first major frost, exploring the rapid shift in
Oh No, November!
This week on Floating Our Boat, we drift through all sorts of topics: the mighty River Severn, the magic of winter murmurations, Fran’s well-deserved moan about Black Friday, Rich’s fascination with Samuel Pepys’ diary, a chat about climate change, and a slightly ridiculous musical quiz that puts Fran’s knowledge to the test.https://floatingourboat.comYou can support us through:patreon.com/floatin
The Uncultivated Mind
Join us for a ramble through our award-winning allotment garden's woes, wins and beyond. We have a good moan about the F-word (and social media), and discuss everything from canal water shortages to our struggle with mosquitos and this year's hot, hot summer. We’ll also be sharing what we're reading now and how many books we’ve managed to get through this year, or not.Support the sh
SPECIAL EDITION: Why We're Still Living This Life After 7 Years! Special Episode With Haven Knox-Johnston
Dive into the joys of narrowboat life with us and Paul from Haven Knox-Johnston. In this, the first of our new season, we share our exciting journey, top tips, and why we’re still loving every moment after 7 years on the water. Join us for an upbeat chat filled with inspiration and practical advice!https://www.havenkj.comhttps://floatingourboat.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@FloatingOurBoatSupport th
Cranes and Boats and Drains
Happy New YearThis episode we talk wildfowl, leaking canals, Fran's dream to do something different and boy is Rich tired of food.Support the showMake sure you're subscribed!Website: https://floatingourboat.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FloatingOurBoatSend all your questions and thoughts here info@floatingourboat.comYou can support us here if you like:https://www.patreon.com/flo
Where Does Father Xmas Get Off?
Merry Christmas everyone. This week we talk about Fran's return, the vicar who tells the truth, our presents and ringing the changes.Support the showMake sure you're subscribed!Website: https://floatingourboat.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FloatingOurBoatSend all your questions and thoughts here info@floatingourboat.comYou can support us here if you like:https://www.patreon.com/
What The Dickens'?
What Dickens novel are we reading this December? Find out and read along with us. We talk AI, Hadrian's Wall, Motorhoming and Books.Just Giving for Dogs Trust Charity in rememberance of little Jess. https://www.justgiving.com/page/jess-floatingourboatSupport the showMake sure you're subscribed!Website: https://floatingourboat.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FloatingOurBoatSend all
Life's a Beach
What has it meant for us to lose one of our faithful dogs? Walk with us along Rhossili Beach on the Welsh Coast.Support the showMake sure you're subscribed!Website: https://floatingourboat.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FloatingOurBoatSend all your questions and thoughts here info@floatingourboat.comYou can support us here if you like:https://www.patreon.com/floatingourboathttps://buy
No Pumpkins On This Boat.
We talk Halloween, Fran's new toy and we're all sentimental over old songs.Fran's weaving Friend Lea https://www.youtube.com/@LeaWildCreative/videosSupport the showMake sure you're subscribed!Website: https://floatingourboat.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FloatingOurBoatSend all your questions and thoughts here info@floatingourboat.comYou can support us here if you like
Taylor Swift in a Charity Shop?
In this episode we celebrate 5 years of married bliss and Fran reveals where she buys her fashion. YouTube and its algorithms, how does it affect our channnel? And why Rich loves an early night.https://www.facebook.com/thesuninnleintwardine/Support the showMake sure you're subscribed!Website: https://floatingourboat.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FloatingOurBoatSend all your questions
Is There a Doctor in the House?
This week we talk about the frustration of seeing a doctor when you're continuously on the move and topics including Curlew's, how we power our boat and living on a really short canal.The Poet Laureate Has Gone To His Shed. BBC radio programme. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p085jg48Slimbridge Wetland Centre https://www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge/Support the showMake sure yo
No Freebies Here! No indeed.
We're back after way too long (again) with a new podcast hosting provider and a fresh start.Were did it go wrong? Keir Starmer et al, Motorhoming and David Cassidy all covered in this new episode.Support the showMake sure you're subscribed!Website: https://floatingourboat.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FloatingOurBoatSend all your questions and thoughts here info@floatingourboat.
Recommended
Africa Daily
Africa Legal Podcast
After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Aftershock: The War on Terror
Age Better with Liz Earle
A Good Read
A History of Europe Key Battles
Ailsa Burns Yoga Nidra
Ain't Got A Clue with Marcus Bronzy and Kae Kurd
Akhi Ayman
Alan Carr's 'Life's a Beach'
Alan Hartley's Slave To The Vibe Podcast
