Some exciting news to kick off the summer riding season. We’re proud to support the biking community — on the road and in your ears!
Devitt Insurance is excited to be supporting Season 3 of The Nod Pod!
As a brand that’s been insuring UK riders since 1936, we know how powerful the biking community is — and The Nod Pod celebrates that spirit perfectly. From inspiring rider stories to raw, real conversations from across the motorcycling world, this podcast is made by bikers, for bikers.
We’re thrilled to be part of this season and help bring even more great content to the two-wheeled tribe. Whether you’re riding, wrenching, or just listening in — we’ve got your back.
New episodes coming soon. Stay tuned and give it a listen — it’s going to be a cracking season and to kick it off we have an exclusive Q&A with Ben Bowers, co-host and founder.
Hi Ben, please introduce yourself?
Hi I’m Ben Bowers. Motorcyclist, presenter, men’s health advocate and a few other plates that are spinning all at once!
What was your first motorcycle, and how did you get into riding?
My first bike was a blue Suzuki Bandit 600N. I rode it into a hedge opposite the petrol station 30 minutes after passing my bike test! My earliest memory is being on the back of my Uncles Kawasaki when I was about 4, but it was my brother-in-law, Steve, who got me hooked on the back of his Ducati ST4 when I was in my mid-twenties. It was fun but I wanted to be in control not pillion. From there it was a short trip to my Direct Access and I’ve not looked back.
How was the Nod Pod born?
The Nod was born from a desire to create a platform where we can bring together a community within the diverse motorcycle subculture. Whilst providing some entertainment through each show we also look to normalise conversations around mental health and empower the listeners to take positive action themselves.
Shared experiences and storytelling are the original ways of looking after each other and passing on knowledge and the podcast’s aim is to do just that. Whilst having a laugh and riding bikes of course!
Bringing my mates, Charley Boorman and Ant Partridge along for the ride not only reflects how the wider community connects but we all bring our own relatable lived experiences with Cancer, injuries and mental health to the show. Everyone is dealing with something in their life. We just shine a light on how we all deal with that.
Who would be your dream guest, living or dead?
Tough question. There are so many amazing and inspiring people out there dead and alive!
Hopefully we can get the likes of Keanu Reeves, Valentino Rossi and the Rock on the show. But we have already had some amazing people on!
I guess from the list of cool dead people, Steve McQueen is right up there! Still the ultimate king of cool on two wheels.
What inspired you to start the podcast?
I had Testicular Cancer twice in my twenties and have spent the last 15 years involved with Movember. I have been fortunate enough to help lots of other guys diagnosed with the disease over the years and have learnt the value of sharing stories and experiences and normalising difficult topics and conversations to empower positive action. The podcast was a great way of combing my passion for motorcycles whilst hopefully continuing to help people. It’s also a great way to meet inspiring people with that shared passion for two wheels.
Who has been your favourite guest so far, and why?
That’s unfair to say in case the rest see this and get upset! Whilst not having favourite guests, it’s been amazing to hear stories that you may not have heard before. From F1 Legend, Damon Hill, talking about his bike racing career before he ever raced cars, through to Joe Wicks talking about how he really broke his wrist the day before Lockdown with Charley and I…You need to listen to the show to hear the full story.
We try to ride with each guest before recording which means we create this bond that all bikers have when they ride together. Hopefully that bond and subsequent conversation about a shared passion means they relax and open up a little more than they might for another interview. Well, that’s the hope!
What’s something surprising you’ve learned from doing the podcast?
It’s ended up being a useful therapy session for all of us! The chance to check in with each other every week, learn from other’s experiences and verbalise some of what’s going on with us has been hugely beneficial. So, we start with helping ourselves and in doing so we hope others are finding those ways to help themselves and those around them out.
Also. Charley Boorman has done the Dakar Rally… (Regular listeners will get the joke..)
What’s your take on the current motorcycle market—are there any standout bikes right now?
The show is firmly rooted in motorcycle chat and we’ve had a real mix of riders on. From newly passed riders like Dougie from McFly and James Phelps (Fred Weasley in Harry Potter) where we can see the challenges that exist for people keen to get into biking in this day and age. These new riders are great to chat with as they often remind you of the joy you felt when you first discovered biking and the freedom and joy it brings.
It’s great to speak with super experienced riders as well that can help inspire the next generation of bikers. Guys like Shakey Byrne and Jake Dixon who are some of the best racers around.
It’s also cool to see how social media can play a part in making biking cool and desirable as an activity. Grace Webb was great to interview and chat about how her BBC show and social platforms is showing girls and young women that you can ride bikes and have fun. And that it’s a nice bunch of folk who will welcome you in.
Harvey Rides Bikes was another great guest showing how simple acts of kindness on two wheels can break down barriers with the public and show bikers in a positive light which may just get that next kid on two wheels.
So, we are super positive about the current market and future of biking but conscious that there are challenges that need to be addressed in making it accessible and desirable for young people to get into.
In terms of standout bikes… Well if you listen to the show you know that Charley and I are owners and huge fans of the Ducati Desert X. Just a standout bike for making you feel cool. Even if we don’t look it. The great thing is that there are bikes of all types out there now so you really can ride the bike that best reflects you and your interests. We’ve ridden some amazing bikes recently. From the brand new BMW GS1300 ASA to the Norton V4SV CR. We are lucky to get to try some pretty special bikes, new and old.
How important is having insurance to you?
It’s vital. Whilst I’ve not needed to make a claim, motorcycling is inherently dangerous (just ask Charley) and there are a lot of people on the roads out to get you! Having the peace of mind should you have an accident is great. The current levels of bike theft are also a concern, so knowing that should the worst happen you have options, is reassuring.
It’s often described as a grudge purchase but with the right company providing cover and looking at it as an additional safety feature like a helmet it starts to become a more accepted investment, I think.
Want more from The Nod Pod?
Follow @thenodpod for exclusive previews and behind-the-scenes teasers.
Stream all seasons now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Watch the first episode of Season 3 here!