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Getting merry and having a good old chatter is a pastime enjoyed by many - but local lads Rob and Mike record their pub talk, so that everyone can listen too.
The result is a monthly podcast called 'We’re Drunk & We Know Things'. It's hosted by Rob, a technologist, and Mike, a self-proclaimed mega movie buff, and recorded in a local pub by a series of ephemeral producers.
Each month, Rob educates Mike on a piece of technology - causing him to become extremely paranoid - while Mike talks to Rob about a different movie.
Currently on their 30th episode, it is Jersey’s only award-winning podcast, having won the Best Entertainment Podcast in the International Podcast Awards 2017.
For Express, the pair strayed away from their favourite subjects to spill the beans on what they would change about Jersey.
"Battle is an amazing tradition but it also represents a huge missed opportunity for Jersey. Rather than the current focus on delivering the same old stuff to an aging audience, Battle Week should be the highlight of the tourism year with St Helier transforming itself into a true carnival town.
Pictured: For Rob and Mike, "Battle should be Jersey's Mardi Gras."
"Get all the local bars & pubs behind it, greet visitors off the boat or plane with leis and floral treats, throw parties in the parks and on the beaches during the evenings and, at the center of it all, the floats, fireworks and music we all know and love. Battle should be Jersey's Mardi Gras and could be a real fixture on the calendar once more.
2. Forget the UK, let's get into Europe
"We all know how difficult it can be to get over to the mainland, and cancelled or delayed flights are constant headache, but we seldom think about why it’s so difficult to get into Europe! Where are the flights to northern France? Or Berlin? Or Amsterdam? Why are there flights to Norwich?! We can literally see France from parts of our island and getting there sometimes seems insurmountable when Condor is our only option.
Pictured: More French produce in local shops would be a welcome sight for Rob and Mike.
"Increasing ways to get into Europe doesn’t just help us go on holiday there, it creates a new avenue for European tourists to come here so we can share how special Jersey is, potentially giving our tourism industry the boost it needs. The other advantage could be we start seeing French produce in our local shops, which would make a nice change from more Tesco’s stuff…
"Or at least demonise the right type of drinking! The island's relationship with alcohol is complicated but we've got a proud history of brewing, distilling and even making half decent wine. Yet, anything involving booze is seen as an instant negative. We should be focusing on promoting responsible enjoyment of the high quality local produce and taking a more modern approach to licensing while trying to address the Friday Night binge culture that's been allowed to propagate over recent years.
Pictured: Local ales and microbreweries should have the island's full support.
"The licensing laws need an overhaul to allow publicans to manage their own hours and the amazing ales from Liberation and recent microbreweries like Stinky Bay should be given full support, both within the island and further afield.
4. Show your support for local events
"All the time we hear people say there is “nothing to do in Jersey.” Cobblers. You only have to look at the number of events that Jersey Heritage and the National Trust put on over the summer to see that you could easily fill your weekends with events that showcase the beauty of the island.
Pictured: The Streetlife Craft Beer and Gin Festival is returning next month.
"If that isn’t your thing then there are Beer Festivals (two major ones now! Hooray!), music festivals like Groove de Lecq or Reasons, and film nights with CineStef. If you make an effort to search these things out, even just on Facebook, I guarantee you’ll stop worry about what’s going on everywhere else! We’d call for the States and the Parishes to throw themselves behind these initiatives to help them thrive and survive, just look at The Branchage Festival. Or don’t, as it doesn’t happen anymore.
"Jersey is in a great position to be on the forefront of technological change and innovation but, consistently, every "new" thing is met with resistance from small groups of vocal locals and government alike. We need to stop worrying so much about the risks of emerging technology and instead assume a default position of acceptance and enthusiasm. Imagine how amazing the island could become if we set out to become true leaders in innovation?
Pictured: "Imagine how amazing the island could become if we set out to become true leaders in innovation?"
"A couple of real examples, it's taken far too long to roll out a replacement to the scratch card for parking and yet the response to the new app has been overwhelmingly positive - why didn't we do this years ago? Defending entrenched, change resistant groups like the taxi industry in the face of modern alternatives like ride sharing makes us look backwards and reduces quality of life in the long run. Sure, change can be scary but progress happens with or without our consent so we may as well get out in front and enjoy all the benefits rather than hiding behind fear and tradition."
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and not those of Bailiwick Express.
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