Highs, Lows & Cracking On (with Jon Saunders)

03/29/24 • 32 min

1 Listener

Jon Saunders is a Cardiff legend for whom beer, booze and good times have delivered amazing highs and shocking lows in his life and career.

An entrepreneurial hospitality expert in the first part of his career, he ran the legendary TigerTiger club in the Welsh capital before starting his own mini-empire of bars including 10 Mill Lane, Dead Canary and 29 Park Place.

But, the empire didn't last, Jon went bust and had to pick himself up and start back from scratch. This is where he started to focus on the ethos that has formed the backbone of his new career - the "Crack On' spirit. It's what Jon is all about. Getting on and taking action to progress even when it is tough.

Jon now has an impressive Crack On brand that includes Crack On Coaching (helping senior leaders and companies progress) and the Crack On Podcast (which he and I work on together).

Jon knows the "other side of the bar" back to front (and he shares some fun stories from his experiences), but he's also seen the other, darker side of drinking itself.

Admitting he had a problem with overdoing it on alcohol after several scary episodes... Jon made an important choice. He is now a non-drinker and hasn't touched alcohol in a decade.

In this episode Jon is incredibly candid and shares the most amazing life lessons from painful moments in his life. This is a powerful and inspirational episode which hopefully will encourage anyone who listens to embrace their own highs and lows and find the strength to crack on.

Jon Saunders is a Cardiff legend for whom beer, booze and good times have delivered amazing highs and shocking lows in his life and career.

Jon now has an impressive Crack On brand that includes Crack On Coaching (helping senior leaders and companies progress) and the Crack On Podcast (which he and I work on together).

Jon knows the "other side of the bar" back to front (and he shares some fun stories from his experiences), but he's also seen the other, darker side of drinking itself.

Admitting he had a problem with overdoing it on alcohol after several scary episodes... Jon made an important choice. He is now a non-drinker and hasn't touched alcohol in a decade.

Previous Episode

Desi Pubs (with David Jesudason)

Have you ever been to a Desi pub? Do you even know what one is? I haven't and I didn't until I stumbled across David Jesudason's book on the subject. It was getting rave reviews and there seemed to be loads of people on social media having amazing experiences in these pubs with cold lagers, incredible Indian food and a warm welcome.

So, I ordered the book, tried to track David down for a chat... and we finally managed to get it scheduled in. It's a fascinating story. Have a listen, buy the book, and soon, like me, you'll be planning a visit to a Desi pub very soon.

Also, David has some great insights and opinions on the subject of India Pale Ale. It's the poster boy for the craft beer revolution... but it has a dark past linked to Empire and colonialism that we all should be aware of.

There's a lot to learn, be inspired and get fascinated by in this short episode, so take a listen and enjoy.

Next Episode

Independent, Savvy and Unbreakable - 150 Years of Batemans (with Adam Cartwright)

Batemans is the type of brewery that used to be common all throughout the UK. Now it's vanishingly rare. 150 years old. All that time brewing at the same site. All that time independent. All that time run by 5 generations of the same family.

World wars. Covid. 1980's Dallas and Dynasty style internal family ownership wrangles. The fall of cask beer. The rise of industrial brewing. The rise of craft beer.

Batemans has survived it all. And throughout it has brewed some of the most distinctive and tasty traditional British ale you will find in these isles.

Author Adam Cartwright - who has written the brilliant book 'Good Honest Tales - 150 Years of Batemans Brewery' - joins me on this episode to tell this Lincolnshire brewery's incredible story.

The episode is about beer and a brewery but its also about business savvy, community spirit, determination and the roll-your-sleeves-up spirit of just keeping going.

Get your copy of the book here:

https://www.amberley-books.com/good-honest-tales.html